Kansas State Rolls Past South Dakota as Haggerty, Castillo Shine in Offensive Showcase
MANHATTAN - Kansas State made sure nobody in Bramlage Coliseum had to sweat this one out.
Behind a red-hot shooting performance and a balanced offensive attack, the Wildcats cruised to a 106-76 win over South Dakota on Saturday, picking up their third straight victory and moving to 8-4 on the season. With just one more non-conference tune-up left before Big 12 play begins, this was the kind of confidence-boosting performance that can carry momentum into January.
Let’s break down what stood out in K-State’s dominant showing.
PJ Haggerty Finds His Groove Again
This was the PJ Haggerty Kansas State fans had been waiting to see again.
After a few up-and-down outings, the Wildcats’ leading scorer was in complete control from the opening tip. Haggerty knocked down his first eight shots and finished with 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting - a level of efficiency that’s tough to match, no matter the opponent.
It was his best outing in nearly two weeks and a reminder of what he’s capable of when he’s in rhythm. Earlier in the season, Haggerty was averaging 28 points per game on 56% shooting through a six-game stretch. Since then, his shooting numbers had cooled off, but Saturday’s performance looked like a return to form.
With Big 12 play looming, K-State will need Haggerty to stay in that All-American gear. When he’s locked in like this, the Wildcats’ offense becomes a different animal.
David Castillo Keeps Climbing
Another game, another strong showing from David Castillo.
The sophomore guard continues to look more comfortable with every outing, and against South Dakota, he added 16 points to the box score while providing steady play on both ends. Castillo’s growth from his freshman season has been one of the more encouraging storylines for this team, and his ability to play alongside Haggerty gives K-State a dynamic backcourt duo heading into conference play.
Balanced Scoring, Blistering Efficiency
This wasn’t just about one or two guys getting hot - the entire Wildcats offense was humming.
K-State shot an eye-popping 62.1% from the field and had five players score in double figures. Abdi Bashir Jr. chipped in 15 points, Nate Johnson added another 15, and Khamari McGriff contributed 10 off the bench. The ball movement was crisp, the shot selection was smart, and the confidence was evident.
When the Wildcats are sharing the ball like this and getting contributions from across the roster, they’re tough to slow down. This was one of their most complete offensive performances of the season, and it came at the perfect time.
Defense Holds Down a High-Powered Opponent
South Dakota came into this matchup boasting the top-scoring offense in the Summit League, averaging 84 points per game and playing at a fast pace. But K-State didn’t let them get comfortable.
The Wildcats held the Coyotes to just 41.8% shooting and kept their transition game in check. While South Dakota still managed to put up 76 points, much of that came after the game was already well in hand. For the most part, K-State controlled the tempo and forced the Coyotes into tough looks - exactly what you want to see from a team tightening up defensively ahead of conference play.
One More Tune-Up Before Big 12 Play
Next up, Kansas State wraps up its non-conference slate with a home game against Louisiana-Monroe on Dec. 28. The Warhawks entered the weekend at 3-9, with their only wins coming against Rust College, Mississippi Valley State, and Arkansas Baptist.
It’s one last opportunity for K-State to fine-tune its rotations and continue building chemistry before the real grind begins. And it starts in earnest on Jan. 3, when No. 10 BYU comes to Manhattan for the Wildcats’ Big 12 opener - a matchup that will offer an early measuring stick for where this team stands.
But for now, Kansas State is trending in the right direction. The offense is clicking, the stars are heating up, and the Wildcats are beginning to look like a team ready for the next step.