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March Madness is basically just nonsensical magic. This is why we love it so much. Six so-called Cinderella teams punched their tickets to the next round, and Jon Morse breaks down the unprecedented events in the National: Let's Go, Jacks!
With grit, determination, and spirit, Kansas State beat George Washington 56-51 in the first round of the NCAA Championships yesterday. This was the program's first NCAA tournament win since 2012.
Here's the official BotC recap, courtesy of Eric Rubottom: (9) Kansas State 56, (8) George Washington 51.
The team started sluggish and played sloppy through two quarters, but a standout fourth quarter helped the Wildcats to victory. Jeff Mittie is grateful and not inclined to take any victory for granted (Associated Press).
The Wildcats have spent the season learning how to hang around in a game, and it finally paid off last night. Behind Megan Deines' team-leading 14 points, Breanna Lewis' breakout fourth quarter and a key three-pointer from Shaelyn Martin, the team demonstrated the sort of resilience needed to win big games at big events (David Cloninger, Kansas City Star).
In the end, with the game on the line, Kansas State executed better on offense and defense, a fact not lost on George Washington head coach Jonathan Tsipis. The Colonials simply could not keep the momentum going for four quarters (Matt Cullen, GW Hatchet).
Up next, the Wildcats take on top-seeded South Carolina. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 PM on Sunday, and will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks.
The Kansas State throwers made a strong showing on the first day of the UTSA Invitational event in San Antonio. The men are currently in first place with 33 points, while the women are in second place with 26 points.
In the javelin event, junior Haley Pitko took first with a throw of 46.81m, her personal best. Sara Savatovic took first in the hammer throw event with a mark of 65.00m. Her teammate Janee Kassanavoid set a new personal best mark, good for third in the event.
In the men's hammer throw, Brady Grunder set a new school record with a throw of 61.94m, while teammates Kyle Smith and Tyler Merkley took third and fourth respectively.
Inclement weather postponed track events and the men's discus to later today.