Feb 08, 2020

K-State locks in defensively against Baylor, but not enough

Posted Feb 08, 2020 11:40 PM

MANHATTAN – K-State looked to spring the upset on (2/1) Baylor on Saturday afternoon at Bramlage Coliseum.

The Wildcats held the Lady Bears to its lowest point total in five seasons, but Baylor held the Wildcats to a season-low point total for a 54-40 win.

K-State’s defense held the Lady Bears to a 38.3 (23-of-60) field goal percentage and outrebounded Baylor, 44-43. The 54 points by Baylor were their fewest since carding 45 at Oklahoma State on Dec. 30, 2015. It was the fewest points K-State has allowed to Baylor since the Wildcats downed the Lady Bears on Feb. 8, 2003, 65-53.

The first quarter was a sign of things to come for both teams, as they combined to shoot 25 percent (8-of-32) from the field with Baylor (21-1, 10-0 Big 12) holding a 13-8 lead. Ayoka Lee paced K-State with four points and five rebounds.

Lee ended the day by tying the school record for double-doubles in a freshman season with her 12th. This equals the mark set by Kendra Wecker in 2001-02. The center from Byron, Minnesota, finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks.

In the second quarter, K-State (10-11, 4-6 Big 12) used a 7-0 run and grabbed a 15-13 lead with 7:16 to play. Christianna Carr scored five of the seven points during the rally.

The Lady Bears responded with a 16-0 run to build a 29-15 lead with 1:27 remaining. The Wildcats went without a made field goal for the final 7:15 of the second quarter. K-State cashed in three free throws to pull within 13, 31-18, at the half.

Baylor outscored K-State, 15-10, in the third quarter. Peyton Williams scored six of the 10 points for the Wildcats. Williams ended the game with 12 points, eight rebounds and two steals.

The Wildcats, who would win the fourth frame (12-8, held Baylor scoreless for nearly six minutes to begin the final quarter. K-State strung together an 8-0 run to pull to within 10, 46-36, with 5:20 remaining. Lee and Williams combined to score all eight points during the run.

The Lady Bears would hold K-State without a field goal for the final 6:07 of the game. The Wildcats were held to four made free throws, as Baylor used an 8-4 run over the final 4:10 of the game to seal the win.

K-State will begin a two-game road trip on Tuesday at West Virginia. Game time on Tuesday is 6 p.m. (CT). Tuesday’s game will be available online at WV Mountaineer TV, as well as on the K-State Sports Network and for free at kstatesports.com.

--kstatesports.com--