Kansas State cruises previous Baylor in Matthew Driscoll debut
MANHATTAN, Kan. — PJ Haggerty scored 34 factors, Nate Johnson had a career-high 33, and Kansas State cruised previous Baylor 90-74 on Tuesday evening within the debut of Wildcats’ interim head coach Matthew Driscoll.
Kansas State (11-15, 2-11 Huge 12) by no means trailed and held a double-digit lead for many of the second half to finish a six-game skid. Driscoll changed earlier head coach Jerome Tang, who was fired Sunday evening after 4 seasons on the helm.
“Coach Driscoll and employees did a terrific job,” Bears coach Scott Drew mentioned of his opponent. “I hated enjoying them proper now.”
Johnson’s layup gave the Wildcats a 21-point lead with 10:39 remaining. He surpassed his earlier career-best 31 factors with a dunk with 1:37 remaining.
Haggerty shot 15 of 23 general. Johnson was 11-of-16 capturing and made 5 of the Wildcats’ eight 3-pointers. Johnson additionally had 9 assists and matched a career-high with six steals.
“I did not come to Kansas State to be the top coach,” Driscoll mentioned. “Coach Tang and I are thicker than thieves. He’s a tremendous human being. He did superb issues at Kansas State.”
Isaac Williams IV scored 16 factors to guide Baylor (13-13, 3-10), which has misplaced 4 straight. Tounde Yessoufou added 14 level for the Bears. Cameron Carr chipped in with 12 factors and Dan Skillings Jr. scored 11. The Bears made simply three of their 24 3-point makes an attempt.
Johnson made 4 3s and scored 16 factors, and Haggerty added 13 factors to assist Okay-State construct a 41-34 halftime benefit. The Wildcats shot 5 of 11 from lengthy vary whereas Baylor missed 11 of 12 makes an attempt from past the arc.
“I am tremendous pleased with our employees and the best way by which they handled this,” Driscoll mentioned, “and clearly the gamers’ resilience and their means to beat so much.”
Williams’ layup pulled the Bears to 66-57 with 8:20 left however they did not get nearer.
Driscoll will look to enhance to 2-0 Saturday, when Kansas State faces No. 13 Texas Tech.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
