K-State, Samuels Slam Leathernecks

MANHATTAN, Kan. -- Kansas State played its second game in three days, improving to 2-0 on the young season after defeating the Western Illinois Leathernecks, 82-50 on Sunday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum.

Sophomore forward Jamar Samuels provided a spark off of the K-State bench, dropping 19 points on the Leathernecks to lead all Wildcat scorers. Samuels set a career-high in steals with three, while also adding seven rebounds along with three assists.

Freshman Jordan Henriquez-Roberts earned his first collegiate start on the afternoon and was a constant presence in the paint, blocking five shots and grabbing 10 rebounds to go along with his seven points.

The K-State backcourt tandem of Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen combined for 23 points in the contest. Clemente also added five assists on the afternoon. 

For the second straight game freshman Rodney McGruder scored in double digits, tallying 11 points off of the K-State bench.  Fellow freshman Wally Judge also contributed 11 points to the Wildcat effort, marking the first double digit scoring game of his young career.

Kansas State went into the break with a 31-20 lead, while holding Western Illinois to just 27.3 percent shooting. After the break, the Wildcats shot a scorching 60 percent from the floor, allowing them to stretch their lead to 32 at the final buzzer.

The Wildcats were impressive in transition, holding the Leathernecks to zero points on fast break opportunities, while converting 22 points off of fast breaks themselves. K-State also was strong in the paint, outscoring Western Illinois 44-22.

K-State goes on the road for the first time this season, continuing non-conference play in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at the O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tipoff. The Wildcats will face the Boston University Terriers in their opening round matchup on November 19. Tipoff at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.