In the wake of Kansas State's 100-76 loss to No. 13 Texas Tech, interim head coach Matthew Driscoll delivered a candid assessment: the Wildcats need to elevate their game to compete at this level.
Driscoll, stepping in after the departure of former head coach Jerome Tang, faced his first defeat, marking the team's 12th loss of the season. This came on the heels of a strong home performance against Baylor.
Despite missing JT Toppin, Texas Tech surged past Kansas State, with head coach Grant McCasland’s squad moving up to third in the conference. The Red Raiders secured their fourth win in five games, showcasing depth and resilience.
Texas Tech's offensive efficiency was on full display, shooting nearly 50% from the field with all five starters hitting double figures. Luke Bamgboye, stepping up in Toppin’s absence, contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and three blocks, leading a formidable defensive effort.
Driscoll acknowledged Texas Tech’s adaptability, noting their ability to thrive despite Toppin's absence. “They played like ‘JT’s not playing, so what’s next?’” Driscoll remarked, highlighting the Red Raiders' focus and determination.
The Wildcats struggled against Texas Tech's shot-blocking prowess. Bamgboye wasn't alone in his defensive efforts; teammates LeJuan Watts, Christian Anderson, Marial Akuentok, Josiah Moseley, and Tyeree Bryan all recorded blocks, underscoring the team's defensive depth.
In stark contrast to their previous game against Baylor, where P.J. Haggerty shone with a high-scoring performance, he was limited to 17 points against Texas Tech.
Driscoll reflected on Haggerty’s off day, emphasizing that even top players have challenging games. “He’s human,” Driscoll noted, acknowledging the physicality Texas Tech brought to the court.
Reflecting on the team’s response to recent changes, Driscoll praised the Wildcats’ resilience and adaptability. He emphasized that the players have embraced his coaching style without missing a beat, despite the upheaval.
“There was no sulking,” Driscoll said, highlighting the team’s collective focus. He acknowledged the importance of maintaining marketability and growth, stressing that the team’s basketball fundamentals remain strong.
In Tang’s final game, the Wildcats demonstrated significant improvement, even opting to remove player names from their jerseys as a symbol of unity. They defied expectations, closing the gap against Houston in a game where they were projected to lose by a wider margin.
Driscoll assured that the coaching approach remains consistent, emphasizing discipline and expectations. “We’re coaching them just like we would if Coach Tang was here,” he affirmed, commending the team’s ability to stay the course during this transitional period.