MBB takes on Tulsa

Basketball

The Kansas State women got into an early 22-9 hole but came back strong to beat Texas-Rio Grande Valley 79-66. This was the Wildcats’ final non-conference game and also the final game of the decade. The program finished the decade 184-145 (.559).

A strong defensive effort in the second quarter allowed Kansas State to get back in the game while holding their opponents to just 8 points. Christiana Carr scored eight points in the second stanza including a three-pointer at the buzzer to end the half. She finished with 20 points to lead the team. Peyton Williams had 17 points and Angela Harris and Ayoka Lee also finished in double digits with 12 each.

The Wildcats will take on West Virginia next weekend to open Big 12 play.

Meanwhile, the men’s team will wrap up 2019 against Tulsa (8-4) this evening at Bramlage Coliseum. Tip off is scheduled for 5 PM and the game will be available on ESPN+.

This is the last in a three-game series for the Wildcats against Tulsa. The Golden Hurricanes lead the all-time series 7-1. This is their first trip to Bramlage since 1989, also the Wildcats’ only win in the series.

Football

With bowl season in full swing, there’s plenty of football news to share.

The college football playoff championship game is set. LSU beat the heck out of Oklahoma to make the final game, while Clemson held off Ohio State for a chance to be Joe Burrow’d right off the field.

The Big 12 has not covered itself in glory in this post-season so far. With three games already on the books, the conference is 0-fer so far. It remains only for Texas, Baylor, and Kansas State to save the Big 12’s bacon. (Yes, we know. Bowl games don’t matter, until someone decides they do).

Kansas State will take on Navy in the Autozone Liberty Bowl on December 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:45, and the game will be on ESPN. The game itself represents a number of firsts. This is the first time Kansas State and Navy have ever played. If Kansas State wins, it will be the first time the school has ever won three bowl games in a row, and Chris Klieman—already the winningest first-year coach in school history—could become the first to win nine games in his first season.

Navy and its offense present Kansas State with a unique challenge, but the Wildcats are ready. Klieman noted that there are still some rough spots and a significant portion of practice time has been devoted to player development. But he also wants to send the seniors out on a high note.

Oh, and if these photos are anything to go by, the Wildcats will take the field in white helmets and (gasp!) all-white uniforms.

Happy Sunday!