Kansas State Rolls to Third Straight Win Behind Balanced Attack and Breakout Performances
Kansas State is heating up at just the right time. The Wildcats cruised to a third straight win on Saturday afternoon, overwhelming South Dakota by 30 points in a game that was never really in question.
Sure, it wasn’t a marquee opponent, but the way Kansas State handled its business? That’s exactly what you want to see as they inch closer to Big 12 play.
This one wasn’t just about the final score-it was about how they got there. From breakout performances to key contributions across the board, the Wildcats looked like a team finding its rhythm. Let’s break it down.
1. Nate Johnson Shows Why He Was Such a Coveted Addition
If you’ve been waiting for Nate Johnson to have his moment in a Kansas State uniform, this might’ve been it. The reigning MAC Player of the Year looked every bit the two-way difference-maker the Wildcats hoped he’d be when they brought him in.
Johnson filled up the stat sheet with 15 points, four assists, and five steals-and it wasn’t just the numbers. It was the tone he set early, getting Kansas State out in transition and applying pressure on both ends.
His defensive presence helped fuel a fast start that South Dakota never recovered from. This was the version of Johnson that can shift a game-and potentially a season.
2. PJ Haggerty Was Relentless at the Rim
PJ Haggerty didn’t just score 24 points-he bulldozed his way to them. Shooting a scorching 83 percent from the field, Haggerty was locked in from the jump. And here’s the kicker: he did almost all of it without relying on the three-ball.
In fact, he knocked down nine straight shots inside the arc before even attempting a triple. That kind of downhill aggression is exactly what Kansas State needs from its go-to scorer.
He attacked the paint, absorbed contact, and finished with authority. It wasn’t just volume scoring-it was efficient, physical, and fearless.
And while Haggerty led the charge, he wasn’t doing it alone.
3. Bashir Jr. and Castillo Stepped Up in a Big Way
Every good scorer needs a supporting cast, and on Saturday, PJ Haggerty had exactly that. Abdi Bashir Jr. and David Castillo didn’t just show up-they showed out.
The backcourt duo combined for 31 points on nearly 65 percent shooting, but their impact went well beyond the scoreboard. Bashir posted season highs in rebounds (6) and assists (5), while Castillo matched him with five boards and five dimes of his own. For a team that’s struggled to get consistent rebounding from its guards, this was a much-needed boost.
Their ability to both score and facilitate gave Kansas State a balanced, multi-dimensional attack-and that’s the kind of versatility that becomes crucial when the competition ramps up.
4. Role Players Delivered in All the Right Ways
While the stars carried the spotlight, the role players made sure the Wildcats didn’t skip a beat. Khamari McGriff chipped in 10 points, five rebounds, and four blocks-yes, four blocks-from the wing. That kind of two-way effort is invaluable.
Meanwhile, Taj Manning and Dorin Buca combined for 14 points and 10 rebounds, doing the dirty work and cleaning up the glass. These are the kinds of performances that don’t always make headlines but make all the difference when the games get tougher. Depth wins in March, and Kansas State is starting to build some.
Final Word
This win won’t be the one that turns heads nationally-but it should turn a few within the Big 12. Kansas State didn’t just beat South Dakota-they dominated from start to finish, with contributions up and down the roster. They’re stacking wins, building confidence, and beginning to look like a team that’s ready to make some noise when conference play begins.
If this is the version of the Wildcats we’ll see moving forward-balanced, aggressive, and locked in-then they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.