The wait is finally over as Kansas State basketball kicks off its highly anticipated 2024-25 season against New Orleans at Bramlage Coliseum. Under the guidance of coach Jerome Tang, the Wildcats have undergone a roster transformation, welcoming nine Division I and one junior college transfer, along with a freshman and a walk-on, to complement their three returning players from last year's 19-15 team.

Wildcats Poised for Offensive Explosion in Season Debut

Wildcats Cruise in Second Half Surge

Kansas State's offense continued to click on all cylinders in the second half, as they extended their lead to 63-41 with 11:45 remaining, shooting an impressive 57.1% from the field. Senior guard Max Jones led the charge with 19 points, while sharpshooter Brendan Hausen added 17 points to pace the Wildcats' offensive onslaught.The Wildcats' defensive intensity also ramped up, as they used a 12-4 surge to start the second half, fueled by a Coleman Hawkins steal that led to a fast-break layup by Max Jones. This surge allowed Kansas State to build a commanding 56-36 lead, forcing New Orleans to call a timeout to regroup.

Wildcats Overcome Early Deficit with Dominant Finish to First Half

After falling behind by as much as 10 points early on, Kansas State mounted a furious comeback, closing the first half on a 24-5 run to take a 44-32 lead into the break. Senior forward David N'Guessan led the way with a double-double, recording 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Max Jones and Brendan Hausen each chipped in 12 points to spearhead the Wildcats' offensive resurgence.The Wildcats' defense also tightened up, limiting New Orleans to just five points in the final minutes of the half. This defensive effort, coupled with a timely five-point play by Max Jones, allowed Kansas State to seize control of the game heading into the second half.

Hausen Sparks Wildcats' Comeback with Sharpshooting Display

After New Orleans had built a 27-22 lead midway through the first half, Brendan Hausen ignited a 14-2 run for the Wildcats with his perimeter shooting. The senior guard knocked down a pair of 3-pointers and added three free throws when he was fouled attempting another, cutting the deficit and giving Kansas State a 34-29 lead as they headed into the final media timeout of the half.Hausen's timely scoring outburst, combined with a 3-pointer from teammate C.J. Jones, allowed the Wildcats to regain the momentum and set the stage for their dominant finish to the first half.

New Orleans Starts Strong, but Wildcats' Depth Proves Too Much

The Privateers came out firing, hitting three of their first four 3-point attempts to take an early 11-7 lead over the Wildcats. However, Kansas State weathered the storm, with senior forward David N'Guessan keeping the team within striking distance with 11 points and eight rebounds in the first half.Despite New Orleans' hot start from beyond the arc, the Wildcats' depth and balanced scoring attack eventually wore down the Privateers. Kansas State's ability to make adjustments and find scoring contributions from multiple players proved to be the difference as they surged ahead and never looked back.