In a crucial showdown against Baylor, Kansas State found their spark in senior guard Nate Johnson, who delivered a standout performance when it mattered most. Entering the game with an average of just 10.7 points, Johnson stepped up in a big way, joining forces with PJ Haggerty to secure a commanding 90-74 victory.
Haggerty, already a top scorer nationally, had been the Wildcats' go-to perimeter threat. But on this night, Johnson shared the spotlight, making history alongside Haggerty. The duo became the first Kansas State players to each score 30 points in a game since the days of Michael Beasley and Bill Walker.
Back in 2008, Kansas State basketball was thriving under Frank Martin, with Beasley lighting up the scoreboard and Clent Stewart orchestrating the offense. Fast forward to now, and the Wildcats are channeling some of that old magic.
The game against Baylor marked a new chapter under associate head coach Matthew Driscoll, who took the reins after Jerome Tang's departure. Johnson's performance was reminiscent of his Akron days, as he poured in a career-high 33 points, his best since a 31-point outing against Toledo.
This achievement was historic, as it was the first time since February 2008 that two Kansas State players scored 30 or more points in the same game. According to ESPN Insights, Johnson and Haggerty are just the fifth duo in Big 12 history to achieve this feat.
As the Big 12 Tournament looms and March Madness approaches, Kansas State faces a tight window to make an impact. With only two weeks left in the regular season, their chances for an at-large bid are slim, but not impossible.
To keep their tournament dreams alive, the Wildcats need to replicate the high-energy play they displayed against Baylor. The road ahead is tough, with formidable opponents like Houston, Iowa State, and Arizona likely standing in their way during the conference tournament.
Kansas State's journey to steal a bid to the NCAA tournament is daunting, but if Tuesday's performance is any indication, they might just have the firepower to pull off something special.