Tue Dec 31 03:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Kansas State Edges Out Cincinnati in Big 12 Opener

**Manhattan, Kan.** – Kansas State Wildcats opened their Big 12 conference schedule with a hard-fought 70-67 victory over the No. 16 ranked Cincinnati Bearcats on Monday night. The Wildcats, snapping a three-game losing streak, led for nearly the entire game, holding off a late Cincinnati rally.

Coleman Hawkins led the Wildcats with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Dug McDaniel added 17 points. David N’Guessan contributed 13 points to the winning effort. Crucially, C.J. Jones sank four crucial free throws in the final 20 seconds.

The game remained tight in the closing stages. After Aziz Bandaogo’s dunk cut the lead to 65-63 with 27 seconds left, a key play by Max Jones secured the win for Kansas State. Following a missed free throw by Hawkins, Jones alertly grabbed the rebound and passed to C.J. Jones, who was fouled and made two free throws, extending the Wildcats’ lead. While Bandaogo scored again, C.J. Jones’ final free throw sealed the victory.

Despite shooting just 1-for-8 from three-point range, Kansas State capitalized on Cincinnati’s 15 turnovers, turning them into 15 points. The Wildcats also displayed strong free throw shooting, converting 16 of 20 attempts.

Dan Skillings Jr. paced Cincinnati with 18 points, and Dillon Mitchell added a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. However, the Bearcats’ struggles from the free throw line (4-of-7) and late turnovers proved costly.

Kansas State (7-5, 1-0) travels to TCU on Saturday, while Cincinnati (10-2, 0-1) faces Arizona.

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