Kansas State University Athletics
Kansas State University
UCF
Men's Basketball Drops Central Florida, 71-59
Jan 06, 2003 | Men's Basketball
Jan 6, 2003
Final Stats?|?Quotes?|?Notes
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) - Marques Hayden had 16 points and 10 rebounds andPervis Pasco added 11 points and 15 rebounds to lead Kansas State past CentralFlorida 71-59 Monday night.
Kansas State (9-4) survived a Central Florida (9-5) comeback to win itsseventh straight, tying the team's longest winning streak since 1998.
The Wildcats finished non-conference play with the best record in coach JimWooldridge's three years, and are off to their best start since 1998, when theystarted 11-2.
After leading 43-33 at halftime, the Wildcats started the second halfshooting 1-of-10, letting the Golden Knights cut their lead to only four pointswith 7:06 left. Central Florida stayed close before Gilson DeJesus and TimEllis made back-to-back layups to put Kansas State up by nine with 3:02 left.
Kansas State made 5-of-6 free throws in the final two minutes to seal thewin.
Gilson DeJesus had 16, Tim Ellis scored 14 and Frank Richards had 11 for theWildcats.
Ed Dotson led Central Florida with 18. Dexter Lyons and Troy Lindbeck added10 each.
Kansas State made its first six shots of the game and took an early 17-9lead. The Wildcats led by as many as 15 before Marcus Boyd scored five straightto end the half.
Kansas State opens Big 12 play against Texas Tech Saturday.
