Instant Takeaways: Kansas State holds off Iowa State in OT

First half spark

Kansas State was sputtering a bit out of the gate falling behind 21-16 with 9:37 to go first half. However, the first half flipped after improved energy and defense by K-State. The Wildcats were able to rattle off a 12-0 run by increasing the pressure and forcing turnovers. Taryn Sides and Serena Sundell were under control and were big sparks in the run. Sundell hit a baseline three off of a great save by Eliza Maupin to give Kansas State the lead and K-State never gave the lead back in the first half.

Defense

The Wildcats shifted how they defended Thursday night versus Iowa State. Instead of playing traditional man to man defense Kansas State played multiple defenses. K-State was running a half-court trap and a full-court trap, putting lots of pressure on the Cyclone guards. As a result of the pressure, Kansas State was able to force turnovers and get run-outs. The best K-State offense was coming off of the defense and getting out in transition. In fact, the Wildcats dominated fast break points winning the category 22-0.

Defense on Audi Crooks was also at a major high. Kansas State was crashing on Crooks every time she got the ball down low and got position. Gisela Sanchez deserves some credit for her time in the game defending the Iowa State center. The result of crashing on Crooks was loads of three-pointers going up by Iowa State. The Cyclones shot 21 three pointers in the first 20 minutes of the contest including 14 in the first quarter. K-State was willing to let Iowa State try to win the game by shooting the three ball.

The X Factor

How about that game from Sides? She has continued to take major strides from last season. The Phillipsburg native was arguably Kansas State’s best player on the floor Thursday night. Sides was in control and running the offense very efficiently. K-State was much, much better when the sophomore guard was on the floor. She sparked the 12-0 run in the first half and sparked another run in the second half.

In total, Sides tallied 17 points, five rebounds and five assists. The sophomore was also a pest on defense getting into passing lanes tallying four steals.

Couldn’t find a basket

It looked as if Kansas State was going to win the game in regulation. K-State got up seven points with 1:30 to go, but could not finish the game in regulation. Iowa State finished regulation on a 7-0 run to send the game to overtime. The Wildcats had plenty of chances to put the game away, but could not get a basket to close out regulation. Sundell missed a potential game-winning shot with two seconds to go.

Resolve

A lot of teams would have folded to start overtime. K-State essentially gave the game away in regulation. However, Jeff Mittie‘s team did not fold and it is a tremendous credit to his team. Jaelyn Glenn started overtime by knocking in a three-pointer and the Wildcats did not look back. Kansas State was perfect from the field in overtime including a desperation shot from Sides as the shot clock was expiring.