Slate: Easy win for K-State

Basketball

The Kansas State men ended a two-game losing streak last night in Bramlage Coliseum, downing the now 0-6 Florida A&M Rattlers, 76-58. As our own incomparable Eric Rubottom noted, Xavier Sneed was highly efficient, but despite the lopsided outcome, K-State played a sloppy game overall. Coach Weber said the team was embarrassed by their performance in Fort Myers and while he saw some progress offensively last night, he fears the defense has slipped below his expectations. Kellis Robinett notes that with 21 assists and more aggressiveness in transition, the Cats got their first drama-free win of the season.

With Nike suddenly paying attention to K-State, the alternate uniform craze has hit the hardwood, as the Cats will soon debut throwback duds with script “Wildcats,” lavender and purple piping, and the classic wildcat head on the shorts.

Women’s Basketball

Jeff Mittie’s club should have a similarly winnable game as they try to end their 3-game skid this evening at home against Incarnate Word. K-State leads the Big 12 and is fourth nationally in both total rebounds and blocks per game. But offensive inconsistency, turnover sloppiness and some defensive lapses have limited them to a disappointing 3-3 start.

One player who has not disappointed is redshirt freshman center Ayoka Lee, who despite the two losses in the Bahamas was named Big 12 Freshman of the Week for the second consecutive time. Lee averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, while making 79% of her attempts against Memphis and No. 15 Michigan State.

K-State Sports Extra today features junior Rachel Ranke, a three-point specialist who is trying to elevate her game by making it more diverse.

Football

We all witnessed the moment on the television broadcast, and now SI has shared Reggie Walker’s Senior Night marriage proposal so the rest of the nation can say “Awww.”

The AP’s Dave Skretta gives Coach Klieman some love, noting that in defying a predicted 9th-place finish to lead the Wildcats to a three-way tie for third, Klieman has earned his way into the discussion for coach of the year.

It was a quiet week for K-State alums in the NFL. Byron Pringle made a special teams tackle for the Chiefs. Tyler Lockett went without a catch for the Seahawks. BJ Finney made his 12th career start at center for the the Steelers’ suspended Maurkice Pouncey. Cody Whitehair and Dalton Risner started along the offensive lines in wins for the Bears and Broncos.