By Jackson Schneider
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — On March 11, 2020, Kansas State defeated TCU 53-49, for it’s second-straight win. The victory advanced them to the Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals against Baylor. The game would never be played.
Wednesday night, 364 days removed from that night, the Wildcats would once again beat the Horned Frogs, this time by a score of 71-50.
The Wildcats will advance to the Big 12 Tournament Quarterfinals, where they will face Baylor at 1:30 Thursday afternoon.
Although things in the world seem to be moving closer to normal, Senior Mike McGuirl says he noticed it’s not the same Big 12 Tournament atmosphere.
“It did feel different, I can’t lie. It felt different out there. Not too many fans, rather quiet, but it had that Big 12 Tournament intensity out there, and that’s what’s most important,” said Mike.
On the court, it was undoubtedly Kansas State’s best all-around performance of this season.
K-State shot 48% from the field overall, made 7 of 21 threes, and held TCU to just 30% shooting on the night.
“Where we’ve come from to where we are now is amazing,” said Weber. “Our defense again was the thing that gave us a chance to win.”
Freshman Nijel Pack led all scorers with 23 points, hitting 5-of-6 three point shots and 6-of-7 free throws for his third career 20+ point contest.
“I was really disappointed for Nijel,” said Weber, referring to his freshman being snubbed off the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. “I told him, we all told him to use it as motivation.”
Pack, mature beyond his years, said he didn’t take it personally.
“I try not to look at the politics, things like that, somebody else’s opinion. I mean, I believe, whatever I can do, I can do,” said Pack, confidently. “Whatever another person said doesn’t define the person that I am. I feel like if we win, it doesn’t matter.”
In his first-ever appearance in the league tournament, Pack led the charge, but he didn’t go in alone. Mike McGuirl added 17 points, five assists, three rebounds, and K-State’s only block in the game.
“He has made huge strides,” said Weber of his lone senior.
The trouble of the situation for the ‘Cats is that the last time Baylor and K-State met, the Bears rolled to a 107- 59 win in Waco. The defeat was the worst loss, in terms of margin of defeat, in Kansas State’s program history.
“We’re a much improved team since then,” said McGuirl in the postgame presser. “we’re going to be locking in on the scouting report, listen to what the coaches have to say, listen to the game plan, and going out there and competing. We’ve really picked up our defense, and that’s what’s really been our mainstay since we’ve got going.”
McGuirl is right. Since that defeat, K-State has played 11 games, winning four of them, and holding their opponents to less than 64 points on average. Kansas State’s offense may still have great areas for improvement, but it’s defense should give them every reason to feel confident.
“You know, we talk about playing hard and defending, and that gives us a chance,” said Weber. “Obviously we’ve got a tough task, quick turnaround, got them going back, get some food, get a shower, and then see if we can have good preparation for Baylor tomorrow.”
Kansas State improved to 9-19 overall on the season with it’s win over TCU.
“I’m very excited to play tomorrow. This is like, as a basketball player, this is what you dream of. March Madness. We’re about to play probably the best team in the country in the Big 12 Tournament tomorrow, so this is very exciting," said McGuirl looking forward to the challenge.
POSTGAME AUDIO