For Kansas State, the win over Baylor was nothing short of a lifeline. After enduring a tough six-game losing streak and a 1-11 conference record, the Wildcats desperately needed a boost, and they found it in a commanding victory against the Bears. This win could be the spark they need to turn their season around.
Nate Johnson was the star of the night, dropping a career-high 33 points and hitting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. His standout performance provided much-needed support to PJ Haggerty, who often finds himself carrying the team. While no other player hit double figures, Johnson and Haggerty’s efforts were more than enough to secure the victory.
David Castillo and Andrej Kostic chipped in with seven points each, offering solid support in the absence of Abdi Bashir Jr., their main shooter and one of the nation's most dynamic players. Haggerty opened up about the emotional toll on the team, particularly after the departure of coach Jerome Tang.
"It's been some very difficult days," Haggerty shared postgame. "We all love Coach Tang, both as a coach and a person.
He wanted us to be better men, not just better basketball players. We're going to keep playing and honor him."
Johnson echoed these sentiments, recalling the emotional moment when they learned about Tang's departure.
"It was emotional, honestly," Johnson reflected. "We found out before our meeting, but seeing him not there was tough. The room just felt quiet."
Interim coach Matthew Driscoll, who spent six years alongside Tang at Baylor, brought fiery energy to his first press conference. The win against his former team, without his close friend Tang, was particularly poignant.
"Coach Tang and I are thicker than thieves," Driscoll remarked. "The time, the tears, the hours we shared-he's an amazing human being.
He did incredible things at Kansas State, and I'm proud of the staff. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and emotions can take over."
Looking ahead, the Wildcats aim to build on this victory against Texas Tech. The Red Raiders, despite being one of the top teams in the nation, will face the rest of the season without their star forward, JT Toppin. This matchup could be a pivotal moment for Kansas State as they seek to keep the momentum going.