Record-Breaking Performance: K-State Thrashes Cincinnati in Big 12 Opener
The Wildcats sink a tournament-record 17 threes to advance to a high-stakes rematch with Texas Tech.
On the latest episode of Run It Back, host Jazsmin Halliburton breaks down a historic day at the T-Mobile Arena. Entering the Big 12 tournament as the 12th seed following a rocky end to the regular season, the K-State Wildcats silenced the skeptics with a dominant 91–66 victory over Cincinnati.
The story of the game was the “Splash Sisters” trio of Jordan Speiser, Taryn Sides, and Nastja Claessens, who combined for 16 of the team’s 17 made three-pointers—setting a new Big 12 tournament record.
The offensive “humming” was fueled by elite ball movement, resulting in 24 assists and a staggering 53% shooting from behind the arc. While Cincinnati dominated the offensive glass, K-State’s defensive pressure forced 20 turnovers to keep the Bearcats at bay. This win doesn’t just keep the season alive; it marks the first-ever competitive win on the new LED glass court in American history.
Now, the Wildcats look to carry this momentum into a Thursday morning showdown against 5-seed Texas Tech, a team they upset earlier this year. With postseason selection committees watching, every “winner-stays” matchup is a chance to solidify their place in the WBIT or beyond.
Top 3 Takeaways
A Historic Shooting Clinic: K-State set a Big 12 tournament record and tied a school record with 17 made three-pointers. They are only the 11th team in the nation in the last 27 years to have three players make 5+ threes in a single game.
Ball Movement is Key: The Wildcats’ offense reached its ceiling through unselfish play, recording 24 assists on 33 made field goals. When the ball moves and the “extra pass” is made, this young squad is a dangerous matchup for any seed.
The Road Through the Raiders: To advance further, K-State must repeat their regular-season success against Texas Tech. The keys to a second upset will be defending the three-point line and matching the Red Raiders’ physical presence in the paint.