Seniors Power Wildcats Past Gorillas

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State concluded the exhibition portion of their schedule with an 89-61 victory over Pittsburg State on Monday evening in Bramlage Coliseum.

Seniors Ashley Sweat and Kari Kincaid paced the Wildcats with 20 points each. It was the second time so far this season Sweat has led the 'Cats in scoring, while it was the first time Kincaid held team high scoring honors. Kincaid was 3-of-4 from long distance and a perfect 3-for-3 from the field in the second half. Senior center Nicole McCombs led the Gorillas with 12 points while freshman guard Drew Roberts added 11.

Freshman guard Brittany Chambers added 13 points for K-State, scoring in double figures for the second time this season. Sophomore center Jalana Childs recorded her second double-double in as many games, scoring 11 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. She also added three blocked shots.

After a tight contest early, in which the Wildcats fell behind by as many as seven in the first half, K-State battled back and took a 43-30 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Wildcats opened the second half with a missed basket and turnover on the first two possessions, but followed with a 7-2 run over the next four minutes, including a pair of 3-point plays - a trey by freshman Taelor Karr, and a conventional 3-point play by Kincaid.

K-State pulled away during the second half, pushing their lead to as many as 30 points. The 'Cats continued to run the point position by committee, with Kincaid, Chambers, Karr and freshman Mariah White all seeing time at the position. The group combined for 36 points, 12 assists, including a team high four by Chambers and Karr, and 11 turnovers on the night.

The Wildcat defense held Pitt State to 40-percent from the field and forced 25 turnovers which resulted in 36 points for the Cats.

The Wildcats will open regular season play against Indiana State in Bramlage Coliseum as part of the Ultimate Wildcat Weekend on Saturday at 5 p.m.