Game Overview
In a nail-biting contest on Tuesday night, PJ Haggerty was the standout player, leading the Kansas State Wildcats to an 81-78 triumph over the visiting Utah Utes. In the waning seconds of the game, Haggerty’s clutch jumper with just 39 seconds left propelled the Wildcats (10-9, 1-5 Big 12) into a two-point lead, which they managed to maintain for their inaugural victory in the Big 12 this season.
Player Performances
Haggerty had a remarkable performance, finishing with 34 points on 15-of-29 shooting, alongside eight boards and two steals. Additionally, teammates David Castillo and Nate Johnson contributed significantly, scoring 20 and 17 points, respectively, with Johnson also dishing out six assists and grabbing five rebounds. Notably, Haggerty has now achieved 21 or more points in 14 games this season, showcasing his consistent scoring ability. He made a significant impact in the second half alone, racking up 28 points.
Meanwhile, Utah’s Terrence Brown kept his team competitive throughout the match, amassing 33 points on 14-of-24 shooting, while also grabbing four steals. Seydou Traore and Don McHenry supported with 15 points each, with McHenry also contributing six rebounds. However, his performance at the free-throw line was subpar, making only 2 of 5 attempts that proved crucial in the game’s final moments.
Crucial Moments
As the clock wound down past the 5:32 mark, both Haggerty and Brown exchanged baskets, combining for eight points each and keeping their respective teams in the spotlight without any other players contributing until McHenry was fouled with just 11 seconds left. At the free-throw line, he could only convert one of his two attempts, leaving the score at 79-78. Johnson then added two more free throws for the Wildcats, setting up a tense final play where Brown’s three-pointer to tie missed as time expired.
Looking Ahead
Kansas State entered this matchup looking to snap a five-game losing streak, which included losses to elite teams such as the top-ranked Arizona and No. 10 BYU. Looking ahead, the Utes will head to Provo to face off against No. 13 BYU on Saturday, while the Wildcats will take on their in-state rivals, No. 19 Kansas, in what promises to be an exciting clash.
