Kansas State basketball got eaten up by the Baylor Bears with a score of 100-69. This was Kansas State’s first loss to a Big 12 team.
Reasons for Kansas State loss
Kansas State basketball lost this game for many reasons. One of those reasons was that Baylor came off a week-long pause due to Covid-19 concerns. This made Baylor the fresher team.
Another reason that Kansas State lost this game is because it couldn’t get anything going offensively. Antonio Gordon played well and scored 23 points off the bench. Selton Miguel scored 14 points, and Dejuan Gordon scored eight points.
Kansas State made only 47.5% of its field goals. The Wildcats were also only 28.6% from three-point range.
The Wildcats tried to get started offensively at the beginning of the game. However, Baylor got ahead too early. This led to it being 56-27 at halftime.
Another reason Kansas State lost this game was its defense. Kansas State didn’t play well only getting 25 rebounds the whole game with only 13 defensive rebounds. Baylor had 41 rebounds, and 16 of them were offensive.
Kansas State was not ready to face Baylor, which was the more experienced team. That is why Kansas State lost.
Reasons for Baylor win
Baylor won this game for many reasons. One of those reasons was it shot the ball effectively. Macio Teague had 23 points for the game and had 11 rebounds. Davion Mitchell also scored 20 points. Jared Buter added 14 points and 13 assists to get his first career double-double.
Baylor was also shot well from three-point range, making 15 in the game, though the Bears struggled from the free throw line. Baylor shot for 61.1%, making 11 of 18.
Baylor was able to score points and maintain a strong lead for a 29-point halftime advantage. Baylor was also able to play well on the defensive side as well, contesting plenty of shots.
This is what ultimately won Baylor the game.
How can Kansas State improve?
Kansas State can improve after this loss. One thing it can do better is getting in the paint. The Wildcats need to be more aggressive like they have in their previous games. That means getting dunks and contesting shots, which will allow Kansas State to get to the free throw line.
Kansas State beat Iowa State by scoring free throws. This is just one way the Wildcats can improve and win games.
Another thing Kansas State can improve on is its defense. Kansas State has been known for being a good defensive team, but the Wildcats did not do that. The Wildcats need to make sure teams do not get ahead them and contest more shots.
Forcing opponents to shoot 3-pointers might be safer for Kansas State defensively. It cannot allow teams like Baylor to drive inside like it did.
What is next for Kansas State?
Kansas State’s next game is against Jacksonville on Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. ET.
Photo courtesy of KStateSports.com
