Kansas State University Athletics
Monday, February 17
Salt Lake City, UT
8 p.m. CT
Kansas State University
13-13,7-8Big 12
69
at
74
Utah
15-11,7-8Big 12
1
2
F
Kansas St.
32
37
69
Utah
32
42
74
Utah Pulls Away Late to Defeat K-State, 74-69
Feb 18, 2025 | Men's Basketball
Box ScoreFinal Stats (.pdf)HighlightsHead Coach Jerome Tang Press Conference Player Press ConferencePhoto Gallery
Junior Brendan Hausen led three Wildcats in double figures with 17 points.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A crucial 5-0 run capped by a 3-pointer from fifth-year guard Gabe Madsen gave Utah enough cushion to finish out a 74-69 win over Kansas State on Monday night before 7,537 fans at Huntsman Center.
The 5 straight points came after K-State (13-13, 7-8 Big 12) had rallied from a 57-50 deficit to the tie at 59-all with just 3 minutes remaining. A jumper by sophomore Miro Little preceded the Madsen 3-pointer, which was one of just 3 made by Utah (15-11, 7-8 Big 12) on 19 attempts.
Three Wildcats scored in double figures led by junior Brendan Hausen's 17 points. Hausen connected on 5 made 3-pointers for the fifth time this season, including a near logo make that pulled K-State within 69-67 with 49 seconds left.
After Utah made 1 of 2 free throws to extend the lead to 72-69 with 12 seconds left, Hausen nearly had a sixth triple to tie the game with 7 seconds, but it missed off the front of the rim and the Utes' Ezra Ausar grabbed the rebound before being fouled. Ausar calmly sank both free throws to finish the night 7-of-7 from the line and put the game out of reach at 74-69 with 5 seconds.
Despite shooting less than 40 percent from the field, including 15.8 percent from 3-point range, Utah won the game on the glass, out-rebounding K-State, 51-28, including a 21-6 advantage on offensive rebounds that it converted into 14 second-chance points. The 51 rebounds tied for the most by an opponent this season, while 21 offensive rebounds were the most.
The second-chance opportunities also forced the Wildcats to foul and send the Utes to the free throw line, where they converted on 23 of 30 attempts, including a combined 14 of 19 performance by big men Ausar and Lawson Lovering. Utah entered the game as the Big 12's worst free throw shooting team, making just 61.9 percent on the season.
Ausar led all scorers with 21 points, making 7-of-14 field goals to go with his perfect 7-of-7 effort from the free throw line. Lovering finished with a double-double with 15 points and a game-high 10 rebounds, while Madsen had 13 points on 3-of-13 shooting.
Hausen was joined in double figures by senior Max Jones and junior Dug McDaniel, who each had 13 points. McDaniel eclipsed 1,000 career points with his 3-pointer just over 3 minutes into the second half. He also had 6 assists, while senior Coleman Hawkins dished out a game-high 7 assists. Junior Ugonna Onyenso had a season-best 4 blocks shots to go with his 5 points.
K-State connected on 43.3 percent (26-of-60) from the field, including 44 percent (11-of-25) from 3-point range, and 60 percent (6-of-10) from the free throw line. It marked the 10th time this season that the Wildcats had double-digit 3-pointers, while they had 19 assists on their 26 made baskets.
Utah finished the night shooting 38.1 percent (24-of-63) from the field, including 15.8 percent (3-of-19) from 3-point range, to go with its stellar free throw performance. The Utes held the advantage on points off turnovers (11-8), points in the paint (34-30) and second-chance points (14-7).
This was the first meeting between the schools in more than 40 seasons and the first as Big 12 opponents. The Utes have now won consecutive games in the series since the Wildcats opened with a sweep of a home-and-home series in 1972 and 1973.
K-State returns home this weekend as the Wildcats play host to Arizona State (12-13, 3-11 Big 12) on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m., CT on ESPN+. Tickets can be purchased online at kstatesports.com/tickets or by phone (800) 221.CATS.
HEAD COACH JEROME TANG
Opening statement…
"First off, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the blessing I have of living life with these guys. And you know, I say that every time, and I don't like it is not said flippantly. I just love those dudes. They are hurt in the locker room right now, and you just love when guys care so much. And we have been through a lot, but we've turned a corner and we're close to being like, really, really good. And this road trip was great for us because we learned some things, and now we get to go back and work on it. And so, we give all the credit to Coach (Craig) Smith and his team. They pounded us on the glass. They pounded us 21 to six on the offensive glass, and that allowed them to get the ball in the paint, which caused us to have to foul and then they stepped to the line and made free throws right. (Ezra) Asaro was shooting 50 percent (from the line) in the last five games, and he went 7-of-7. (Lawson) Lovering had made just 20 percent in that span, and he goes to the line and makes 7 of 12. The two bigs combined for 38 (points) and 18 (rebounds). And so, great game plan by coach and great job by their team and yet, at the end, we had an opportunity. And we missed it, but I was proud of our execution at the end to give us that opportunity."
On what caused the problems posed by Utah on the glass…
"I will have to go watch the film. They are big, though, like, big at every position. I'm going to have to go watch the film. I asked (the coaches) a few times like if our guys weren't jumping and I was told that, yeah, we're blocking out, but we're not jumping so, but I'll go watch the film and figure it out."
On handing the first-half foul problems…
"Well, I was very proud of how Mobi (Ikegwuruka) and Ugo (Onyenso) responded in those times. I thought Ugo did a really good job for us. Our defense was really good when Ugo was in. He got caught on a couple ball screens where he was too high, but for the most part, the time on the floor that he gave us was very, very valuable. And so, you just have to manage it. I hate fouling guys out in the first half. They get two fouls, and you sit them. And I believe that Coleman (Hawkins) and David (N'Guessan) are mature enough to be able to handle that."
On the main challenges of the quick turnaround…
"It's always, are you gonna have legs, right? They don't know us right, and they don't have time. I'm sure they spent all their time preparing for their first game, kind of like we did. And we thought about what, hey, can we combine both scouts? And we're like, we hadn't done that all year long. Let's not screw up what's going on. So, we just tried to learn them in one day. And I thought our guys did a really good job of that. (Gabe) Madsen's one heck of a player, and I thought we did a great job on him. But, at the end of the game, you know, what players do? Players make plays, and that's what that young fella did."
On where the team has improved the most…
"Well, I think we understand who we are and what value we bring to the team, each guy, and there's a connectiveness and a togetherness, right? That even when we were down or runs were taking place, or as we prepare, how we conduct ourselves on a daily basis. I got three non-negotiables, right? You're gonna be on time, you must have a high level of communication, and you're gonna be thankful, and I've seen that in these guys on a daily basis, in everything that we do, and so like, these dudes are K-Staters. They continue to battle for that name on front of the jersey."
FIRST HALF
Utah opened the game with a jumper on its first possession before K-State rattled off 7 straight to go up 7-2 at the first media timeout. However, the Utes responded with 10 of the next 14 points to take their first lead at 12-11 on a 3-pointer by sophomore Jake Wahlin at the 11:38 mark.
The run continued out of the media timeout, as Utah went ahead 14-11 before a 3-pointer by freshman David Castillo tied the game. A 3-point play by freshman Keanu Dawes started a 7-0 run by the home team that extended the lead to 23-16. A dunk by sophomore Mobi Ikegwuruka and a second 3-pointer by junior Dug McDaniel cut the deficit to 25-21 at the third media timeout.
The McDaniel 3-pointer started a run of 8 straight points by the Wildcats, who took a 26-25 lead into the final media timeout with 3:41 before halftime. After the Utes scored 4 in a row from the free throw to go back ahead, a corner 3-pointer from junior Brendan Hausen and a jumper by Max Jones forced a Utah timeout with 1:57 to play. Two free throws by senior Lawson Lovering tied the game at 31-all before each team went 1-of-2 from the line to finish the half tied at 32-all.
K-State shot 43.3 percent (13-of-30) from the field in the first half, including 35.7 percent (5-of-14) from 3-point range, while Utah hit on just 30 percent (9-of-30) of its field goals but made up for it by making 13 of 15 attempts from the free throw line.
Jones led all scorers with 10 points, while Lovering had 9 points for the Utes.
SECOND HALF
Utah scored the first 6 points out of the halftime break to force head coach Jerome Tang to call his first timeout, down 38-32 at the 17:39 mark. McDaniel connected on his third 3-pointer from the corner to eclipse 1,000 career points in his career, but the Utes continued their impressive start to go ahead 41-35 at the first media timeout.
The run grew to 12-3 after a free throw and jumper by Lovering for a 44-35 lead at the 15:18 mark. After the teams traded baskets, a 3-pointer by Hausen and 5 points from junior Ugonna Onyenso closed the deficit to 46-43. Utah ended the run with a jumper by senior Caleb Lohner, but Hausen was able to convert on a 3-pointer as the shot clock was expiring to close it to 48-46.
A free throw by Jones got the Wildcats to within 48-47, but the Utes got a basket on the next possession to extend the lead to 50-47. A free throw by senior David N'Guessan once again got the Wildcats to within a possession, but a long jumper by Wahlin pushed the Utes back ahead 52-48 before a timeout with 7:45 to play.
A dunk by junior Ezra Ausar and a 3-pointer by fifth-year Gabe Madsen made it 57-50 with 5:22 to play, but 5 straight points by Hausen and a layup by senior Coleman Hawkins tied the score at 57-all at the final media timeout with 3:04 remaining.
A Flagrant 1 technical was called on N'Guessan on a foul right before the media timeout, giving the Utes' 2 free throws and the ball. After Ausar made the free throws, the Wildcats were able to steal the ball and junior C.J. Jones banked home a jumper to tie the game at 59-all.
A jumper by sophomore Miro Little broke the tie, and, after a stop, Madsen knocked down his second 3-pointer of the night to force a K-State timeout with 1:52 to play. N'Guessan scored over Lovering before a 3-point play by Utah extended the lead to 67-61.
Three-pointers by Hawkins and Hausen pulled the Wildcats to within 69-67 with 49 seconds, but they couldn't take advantage of the turnovers on the ensuing possession. After baskets by both teams, Madsen made 1 of 2 from the free throw line to pull the Utes ahead 72-69 with 12 seconds but Hausen couldn't connect on a 3-pointer and Ausar grabbed the rebound and was fouled. He made both free throws for the 74-69 final score.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE
TEAM NOTES
INDIVIDUAL NOTES
How to follow the 'Cats: For complete information on K-State men's basketball, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X, Instagram and Facebook.
The 5 straight points came after K-State (13-13, 7-8 Big 12) had rallied from a 57-50 deficit to the tie at 59-all with just 3 minutes remaining. A jumper by sophomore Miro Little preceded the Madsen 3-pointer, which was one of just 3 made by Utah (15-11, 7-8 Big 12) on 19 attempts.
Three Wildcats scored in double figures led by junior Brendan Hausen's 17 points. Hausen connected on 5 made 3-pointers for the fifth time this season, including a near logo make that pulled K-State within 69-67 with 49 seconds left.
After Utah made 1 of 2 free throws to extend the lead to 72-69 with 12 seconds left, Hausen nearly had a sixth triple to tie the game with 7 seconds, but it missed off the front of the rim and the Utes' Ezra Ausar grabbed the rebound before being fouled. Ausar calmly sank both free throws to finish the night 7-of-7 from the line and put the game out of reach at 74-69 with 5 seconds.
Despite shooting less than 40 percent from the field, including 15.8 percent from 3-point range, Utah won the game on the glass, out-rebounding K-State, 51-28, including a 21-6 advantage on offensive rebounds that it converted into 14 second-chance points. The 51 rebounds tied for the most by an opponent this season, while 21 offensive rebounds were the most.
The second-chance opportunities also forced the Wildcats to foul and send the Utes to the free throw line, where they converted on 23 of 30 attempts, including a combined 14 of 19 performance by big men Ausar and Lawson Lovering. Utah entered the game as the Big 12's worst free throw shooting team, making just 61.9 percent on the season.
Ausar led all scorers with 21 points, making 7-of-14 field goals to go with his perfect 7-of-7 effort from the free throw line. Lovering finished with a double-double with 15 points and a game-high 10 rebounds, while Madsen had 13 points on 3-of-13 shooting.
Hausen was joined in double figures by senior Max Jones and junior Dug McDaniel, who each had 13 points. McDaniel eclipsed 1,000 career points with his 3-pointer just over 3 minutes into the second half. He also had 6 assists, while senior Coleman Hawkins dished out a game-high 7 assists. Junior Ugonna Onyenso had a season-best 4 blocks shots to go with his 5 points.
K-State connected on 43.3 percent (26-of-60) from the field, including 44 percent (11-of-25) from 3-point range, and 60 percent (6-of-10) from the free throw line. It marked the 10th time this season that the Wildcats had double-digit 3-pointers, while they had 19 assists on their 26 made baskets.
Utah finished the night shooting 38.1 percent (24-of-63) from the field, including 15.8 percent (3-of-19) from 3-point range, to go with its stellar free throw performance. The Utes held the advantage on points off turnovers (11-8), points in the paint (34-30) and second-chance points (14-7).
This was the first meeting between the schools in more than 40 seasons and the first as Big 12 opponents. The Utes have now won consecutive games in the series since the Wildcats opened with a sweep of a home-and-home series in 1972 and 1973.
K-State returns home this weekend as the Wildcats play host to Arizona State (12-13, 3-11 Big 12) on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m., CT on ESPN+. Tickets can be purchased online at kstatesports.com/tickets or by phone (800) 221.CATS.
HEAD COACH JEROME TANG
Opening statement…
"First off, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the blessing I have of living life with these guys. And you know, I say that every time, and I don't like it is not said flippantly. I just love those dudes. They are hurt in the locker room right now, and you just love when guys care so much. And we have been through a lot, but we've turned a corner and we're close to being like, really, really good. And this road trip was great for us because we learned some things, and now we get to go back and work on it. And so, we give all the credit to Coach (Craig) Smith and his team. They pounded us on the glass. They pounded us 21 to six on the offensive glass, and that allowed them to get the ball in the paint, which caused us to have to foul and then they stepped to the line and made free throws right. (Ezra) Asaro was shooting 50 percent (from the line) in the last five games, and he went 7-of-7. (Lawson) Lovering had made just 20 percent in that span, and he goes to the line and makes 7 of 12. The two bigs combined for 38 (points) and 18 (rebounds). And so, great game plan by coach and great job by their team and yet, at the end, we had an opportunity. And we missed it, but I was proud of our execution at the end to give us that opportunity."
On what caused the problems posed by Utah on the glass…
"I will have to go watch the film. They are big, though, like, big at every position. I'm going to have to go watch the film. I asked (the coaches) a few times like if our guys weren't jumping and I was told that, yeah, we're blocking out, but we're not jumping so, but I'll go watch the film and figure it out."
On handing the first-half foul problems…
"Well, I was very proud of how Mobi (Ikegwuruka) and Ugo (Onyenso) responded in those times. I thought Ugo did a really good job for us. Our defense was really good when Ugo was in. He got caught on a couple ball screens where he was too high, but for the most part, the time on the floor that he gave us was very, very valuable. And so, you just have to manage it. I hate fouling guys out in the first half. They get two fouls, and you sit them. And I believe that Coleman (Hawkins) and David (N'Guessan) are mature enough to be able to handle that."
On the main challenges of the quick turnaround…
"It's always, are you gonna have legs, right? They don't know us right, and they don't have time. I'm sure they spent all their time preparing for their first game, kind of like we did. And we thought about what, hey, can we combine both scouts? And we're like, we hadn't done that all year long. Let's not screw up what's going on. So, we just tried to learn them in one day. And I thought our guys did a really good job of that. (Gabe) Madsen's one heck of a player, and I thought we did a great job on him. But, at the end of the game, you know, what players do? Players make plays, and that's what that young fella did."
On where the team has improved the most…
"Well, I think we understand who we are and what value we bring to the team, each guy, and there's a connectiveness and a togetherness, right? That even when we were down or runs were taking place, or as we prepare, how we conduct ourselves on a daily basis. I got three non-negotiables, right? You're gonna be on time, you must have a high level of communication, and you're gonna be thankful, and I've seen that in these guys on a daily basis, in everything that we do, and so like, these dudes are K-Staters. They continue to battle for that name on front of the jersey."
FIRST HALF
Utah opened the game with a jumper on its first possession before K-State rattled off 7 straight to go up 7-2 at the first media timeout. However, the Utes responded with 10 of the next 14 points to take their first lead at 12-11 on a 3-pointer by sophomore Jake Wahlin at the 11:38 mark.
The run continued out of the media timeout, as Utah went ahead 14-11 before a 3-pointer by freshman David Castillo tied the game. A 3-point play by freshman Keanu Dawes started a 7-0 run by the home team that extended the lead to 23-16. A dunk by sophomore Mobi Ikegwuruka and a second 3-pointer by junior Dug McDaniel cut the deficit to 25-21 at the third media timeout.
The McDaniel 3-pointer started a run of 8 straight points by the Wildcats, who took a 26-25 lead into the final media timeout with 3:41 before halftime. After the Utes scored 4 in a row from the free throw to go back ahead, a corner 3-pointer from junior Brendan Hausen and a jumper by Max Jones forced a Utah timeout with 1:57 to play. Two free throws by senior Lawson Lovering tied the game at 31-all before each team went 1-of-2 from the line to finish the half tied at 32-all.
K-State shot 43.3 percent (13-of-30) from the field in the first half, including 35.7 percent (5-of-14) from 3-point range, while Utah hit on just 30 percent (9-of-30) of its field goals but made up for it by making 13 of 15 attempts from the free throw line.
Jones led all scorers with 10 points, while Lovering had 9 points for the Utes.
SECOND HALF
Utah scored the first 6 points out of the halftime break to force head coach Jerome Tang to call his first timeout, down 38-32 at the 17:39 mark. McDaniel connected on his third 3-pointer from the corner to eclipse 1,000 career points in his career, but the Utes continued their impressive start to go ahead 41-35 at the first media timeout.
The run grew to 12-3 after a free throw and jumper by Lovering for a 44-35 lead at the 15:18 mark. After the teams traded baskets, a 3-pointer by Hausen and 5 points from junior Ugonna Onyenso closed the deficit to 46-43. Utah ended the run with a jumper by senior Caleb Lohner, but Hausen was able to convert on a 3-pointer as the shot clock was expiring to close it to 48-46.
A free throw by Jones got the Wildcats to within 48-47, but the Utes got a basket on the next possession to extend the lead to 50-47. A free throw by senior David N'Guessan once again got the Wildcats to within a possession, but a long jumper by Wahlin pushed the Utes back ahead 52-48 before a timeout with 7:45 to play.
A dunk by junior Ezra Ausar and a 3-pointer by fifth-year Gabe Madsen made it 57-50 with 5:22 to play, but 5 straight points by Hausen and a layup by senior Coleman Hawkins tied the score at 57-all at the final media timeout with 3:04 remaining.
A Flagrant 1 technical was called on N'Guessan on a foul right before the media timeout, giving the Utes' 2 free throws and the ball. After Ausar made the free throws, the Wildcats were able to steal the ball and junior C.J. Jones banked home a jumper to tie the game at 59-all.
A jumper by sophomore Miro Little broke the tie, and, after a stop, Madsen knocked down his second 3-pointer of the night to force a K-State timeout with 1:52 to play. N'Guessan scored over Lovering before a 3-point play by Utah extended the lead to 67-61.
Three-pointers by Hawkins and Hausen pulled the Wildcats to within 69-67 with 49 seconds, but they couldn't take advantage of the turnovers on the ensuing possession. After baskets by both teams, Madsen made 1 of 2 from the free throw line to pull the Utes ahead 72-69 with 12 seconds but Hausen couldn't connect on a 3-pointer and Ausar grabbed the rebound and was fouled. He made both free throws for the 74-69 final score.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE
- K-State (13-13, 7-8 Big 12) dropped its second consecutive road game in a 74-69 loss to Utah (15-11, 7-8 Big 12) at the Huntsman Center.
- The series is now tied at 2 wins each, as the schools met for the first time as Big 12 foes and the first time since 1983… The Utes have now won consecutive games in the series after the Wildcats won a home-and-home series in 1972 and 1973.
- K-State fell to 2-8 on the road, including 2-6 in the Big 12.
- K-State used a starting lineup of junior Dug McDaniel, junior Brendan Hausen, senior Max Jones, senior Coleman Hawkins and senior David N'Guessan for the 16th time and the 15th straight game… Hausen, M. Jones, Hawkins and N'Guessan have now started the first 26 games… All 26 of Hausen's career starts have come at K-State.
- Hawkins now has 108 career starts (Illinois/K-State), M. Jones now has 107 career starts (Tampa/Cal State Fullerton/K-State), N'Guessan now has 65 career starts (all at K-State) and McDaniel now has 68 career starts (Michigan/K-State).
TEAM NOTES
- K-State scored its 69 points on 43.3 percent (26-of-60) shooting, including 44 percent (11-of-26) from 3-point range, while hitting on 60 percent (6-of-10) from the free throw line.
- K-State is now 0-10 this season when not reaching 70 points.
- K-State connected on 11 made 3-pointers on 25 attempts… The Wildcats now have double-digit 3-pointers in 10 games this season.
- K-State had assists on 19 of its 26 made field goals, as senior Coleman Hawkins (7) and junior Dug McDaniel (6) combined for 13 assists.
- Utah dominated the glass, posting a 51-28 advantage, including 21-6 on offensive rebounds… The Utes turned those 21 offensive boards into 14 second-chance points.
- Utah had more turnovers (12-11) but held an 11-8 advantage on points off turnovers.
- Utah also held the advantage in the paint (34-30).
- The teams were tied at 32 at the half as K-State fell to 0-1 when tied at the half.
INDIVIDUAL NOTES
- Three Wildcats scored in double figures led by 17 points from junior Brendan Hausen and 13 points each from senior Max Jones and junior Dug McDaniel.
- Hausen scored his 17 points on 5-of-12 field goals, including 5-of-11 from 3-point range, and 2-of-2 free throws to go with 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in 24 minutes… He now has 29 career double-digit scoring games, including 17 this season.
- Hausen made 5 3-point field goals for the fifth time this season.
- Jones scored his 13 points on 5-of-14 field goals, including 1-of-2 from 3-point range, and 2-of-4 free throws to go with 3 rebounds, a steal and a block in 33 minutes… He now has 80 career double-digit scoring games, including 15 this season.
- McDaniel scored his 13 points on 5-of-13 field goals, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range, to go with 6 assists and a steal in 38 minutes… He now has 52 career double-digit scoring games, including 15 this season.
- McDaniel eclipsed 1,000 career point with a 3-pointer at the 16:36 mark of the second half.
- Junior Ugonna Onyenso had a season-high 4 blocks.
How to follow the 'Cats: For complete information on K-State men's basketball, visit www.kstatesports.com and follow the team's social media channels on X, Instagram and Facebook.
Team Stats
KState
Utah
FG%
.433
.381
3FG%
.440
.158
FT%
.600
.767
RB
28
51
TO
11
12
STL
6
6
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
17
FGM
5
3FGM
5
FTM
2
Pts
13
FGM
5
3FGM
3
FTM
0
Pts
7
FGM
3
3FGM
0
FTM
1
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's BasketballG
/ Men's Basketball
W
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballG
/ Men's BasketballW
/ Men's Basketball
C
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