Kansas State secured a 94-85 win over Louisiana-Monroe at Bramlage Coliseum, with P.J. Haggerty leading the charge for the Wildcats. The junior scored 24 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, pacing Kansas State to a much-needed victory. Louisiana-Monroe's Krystian Lewis was equally impressive, pouring in 25 points in a losing effort.
The first half belonged to Kansas State, as they built a 46-36 lead at the break. Haggerty was unstoppable, scoring 14 of his 24 points in the opening 20 minutes. Louisiana-Monroe struggled to contain the Wildcats' offense, which shot 53% from the field in the first half. The Warhawks, on the other hand, relied heavily on Lewis, who scored 12 points to keep his team within striking distance.
The second half saw Louisiana-Monroe make a push, outscoring Kansas State 49-48. Lavell Brodnex and MJ Russell joined Lewis in double figures, combining for 38 points in the final 20 minutes. However, Kansas State's supporting cast, including Nate Johnson and Abdi Bashir Jr., provided enough offense to keep the Warhawks at bay. Johnson added 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Bashir Jr. chipped in with 11 points.
Despite the loss, Louisiana-Monroe's performance was a reflection of their resilience. The Warhawks, who entered the game with a 3-18 record, refused to back down against a Kansas State team that is still fighting for tournament relevance. Lewis, in particular, showed why he's one of the top players in the Sun Belt Conference, scoring from both inside and outside the arc.
For Kansas State, the win is a welcome addition to their resume, even if it comes against a Quadrant 4 opponent. The Wildcats, now 10-11 on the season, still have work to do to bolster their tournament chances. This victory, however, should provide a boost of confidence as they head into the heart of conference play. On the other hand, Louisiana-Monroe's loss, while expected, still counts as a Quadrant 2 game, which could have implications for their own postseason aspirations.
In the end, Kansas State's victory was a reflection of their depth and talent. With Haggerty leading the way, the Wildcats were able to overcome a spirited effort from Louisiana-Monroe. As the season enters its critical phase, Kansas State want to build on this win, while Louisiana-Monroe will aim to use this performance as a springboard for future success. The win may not have significant tournament implications for Kansas State, but it does help to pad their resume, making their road to the tournament slightly more manageable.