In another thrilling Big 12 Tournament battle, Kansas State emerged victorious over Arizona State in a closely contested matchup.
Coach Jerome Tang expressed gratitude for his team’s performance emphasizing how they limited ASU’s three-point opportunities and executed their defensive game plan effectively while Bobby Hurley reflected on a season derailed by injuries.
Kansas State’s Confidence Shines Through Despite Lineup Adjustments
Despite missing key players, both teams showcased their resilience throughout the game. Kansas State’s ability to adapt without David’s usual minutes proved crucial, while Arizona State’s undermanned roster fought valiantly until the final buzzer.
The postgame comments revealed the emotional weight of tournament basketball and the stark realities of competing in the challenging Big 12 Conference.
Coleman Hawkins played a pivotal role for Kansas State admitting he wanted to make up for his poor performance against Iowa State. “I took my knee brace off, felt free, and just played with confidence,” Hawkins shared, demonstrating the mental shift that sparked his impressive outing.
Coach Tang praised his team’s fast start, attributing it to good shot selection and execution.
“It was about making shots. We got good shots, and the guys converted early. Then, when the game became a grind, they fought through,” Tang explained, highlighting their ability to adapt as the game progressed.
Doug McDaniel acknowledged his slow first half but found his rhythm after adjusting his mindset.
“I had to be more selfless. I was focused too much on myself, but once I committed to the team, things started going well,” McDaniel reflected, showcasing the team-first mentality that propelled Kansas State to victory.
With Baylor looming in the next round, Tang emphasized the importance of rest and preparation. “They’re a great team, and we need to be ready. It’s about keeping our legs fresh and executing our game plan,” the coach noted, already looking ahead to their next challenge.
Arizona State Reflects on Season Filled with Adversity and Growth
Coach Bobby Hurley didn’t mince words about the challenges his team faced throughout the season.
“I’ll have a lot of regrets because these guys, I think if we had the whole puzzle together, it was an NCAA Tournament team,” Hurley lamented, taking personal responsibility for not building enough depth to withstand the wave of injuries.
The Sun Devils’ seniors, particularly Austin and Bashir, earned high praise from Hurley for their perseverance.
“With no disrespect to any guards in the Big 12 over the last five or six weeks, he was playing as good as any guard in the conference,” Hurley said of Austin, highlighting his senior’s remarkable +6 plus-minus in a game they lost by five.
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The Big 12 experience proved eye-opening for ASU, with Hurley acknowledging the conference’s unique demands.
“You need a deeper team. You can’t expect to play against the caliber of opponents we’re playing with the athletes and the physicality and the schedule,” he explained while emphasizing that Arizona State provided full support and resources to compete at the highest level.
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