LEXINGTON, KY – In a heart-stopping overtime clash, the No. 5 seed Kansas State Wildcats triumphed over the No. 4 seed Kentucky Wildcats, securing an 80-79 victory and punching their ticket to the Sweet 16 for the first time in 23 years. The raucous crowd in Lexington witnessed a back-and-forth battle that showcased the resilience and determination of both teams.
The victory was hard-earned, with Kansas State holding off a determined Kentucky squad in a game that went down to the wire. Temira Poindexter delivered a phenomenal performance, leading all scorers with 24 points while also contributing six blocks and six rebounds. Serena Sundell orchestrated the offense masterfully, scoring 19 points and dishing out an incredible 14 assists. Ayoka Lee, a dominant force in the paint, added 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Kansas State’s offensive efficiency proved crucial in the victory. The Wildcats shot 29-of-72 (40.3%) from the field, an impressive 14-of-35 (40%) from three-point range, and a solid 8-of-11 (72.7%) from the free-throw line.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric as the Wildcats secured their place in the Sweet 16, ending a long drought for the program. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among players and fans alike.
Looking ahead, Kansas State will face the winner of Monday’s matchup between USC and Mississippi State. The highly anticipated Sweet 16 clash is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, and will be broadcast live on ESPN and KNDY AM 1570/94.1 FM in Northeast Kansas and Southeast Nebraska.
