Kansas State University Athletics
Kansas State University
17-12
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
Kansas
23-5
Kansas State falls to Kansas in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals
Mar 11, 2005 | Men's Basketball
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- With Wayne Simien scoring and rebounding, and frustrated Kansas State providing the opposition, Kansas did just fine without Keith Langford.
Simien, the unanimous choice for conference player of the year, had 28 points and 14 rebounds as the ninth-ranked Jayhawks beat
Simien, the Big 12's leading scorer and rebounder, was also 10-of-13 from the foul line for the short-handed Jayhawks. The 6-foot-8 power forward has eight double-doubles in his last 10 games, and 15 for the year.
``I think that rebounding was the difference,'' Simien said. ``I can't remember the last time we had somebody else in double-digit rebounds, let along a 6-2 guard.''
Langford, Kansas' second-leading scorer, was out with an ankle injury and a stomach virus and the Jayhawks had lost four of their last six, giving Kansas State fans hope that an end could be at hand to the long, demoralizing losing streak.
Instead, it was the same old story.
``We didn't think they were vulnerable at all,''
Simien said the seniors did not want the streak to end on their watch.
``It is satisfying,'' he said. ``Records are meant to be broken and (the streak) will be someday.''
The Wildcats are still hopeful of an NIT bid.
``I hope we earned our right into the tournament,'' coach Jim Wooldridge said. ``I think we're right there and I hope you can see us in that tournament next week. We're optimistic about that.''
The Jayhawks (23-5) will meet the winner of Friday night's
Fighting from behind all night,
But then slumping J.R. Giddens hit a 3-pointer, Miles sank a pair of free throws and Simien hit a short turnaround jumper to put
Lance Harris had a career-high 23 points for
Simien was masterful, hitting short and medium-range jumpers as well as scoring inside. He was 9 of 13 from the floor.
The Jayhawks led by as many as 13 early in the second half, but Massey's three-point play and a free throw from Justin Williams made it 56-52 with 8:08 left.
Giddens, supposedly the Jayhawks' best 3-point threat, was 4-for-14 from the floor, including 3-for-11 from beyond the arc. In his last six games, he has hit 8 of 39 3s.
``It was a good win for us,'' said
