K-State Drops Hard Fought Game to OSU

 Romero and Knoll combine for 38 points in loss

March 1, 2014
Box Score

STILLWATER, Okla. – Trailing by 13 at the half, Kansas State recovered to capture a four-point lead late in the second half but a late 9-0 run by No. 15/14 Oklahoma State sent the Wildcats to a 67-62 loss at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

Kansas State (11-17, 5-12 Big 12) was paced by Leticia Romero, Ashlynn Knoll and Kindred Wesemann. Romero reached double figures for the 20th time this season with 19 points. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year candidate also registered four rebounds, four assists and four steals. This was her 15th game this season with two or more steals.

Knoll came off the bench for the second straight game and provided the Wildcats with an offensive shot in the arm. The senior from Canyon, Texas carded career-highs of 19 points and eight rebounds. This was her third straight game in double digits.

Wesemann added 12 points which came on a 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. This was also third straight game in double figures for the freshman from Pleasant Hill, Mo.

The Wildcats suffered through a sluggish first half from the field, as K-State shot .321 from the floor (9-of-28), including .100 (1-of-10) from behind the 3-point line and trailed by 13 at the half, 36-23. Romero tallied eight points in the half.

Oklahoma State (22-6, 11-6) out-rebounded K-State, 22-9, in the opening stanza and shot .571 from the field (16-of-28). The Cowgirls were paced in the first half by Liz Donohoe and Tiffany Bias with nine points each.

K-State used a trio of 3-point field goals to cut into Oklahoma State’s halftime lead in the opening stages of the second half. Kindred Wesemann connected on her second 3-point field goal of the game right in from of K-State’s bench. Romero followed with three-point field goals on consecutive possessions to bring K-State to within seven, 39-32, with 15:13 to play.

Romero wasn’t finished as she connected on a runner in the lane to bring K-State to within six again, 41-35 with 13:09 to play. Oklahoma State then used a Bias layup and Donohoe three to build an 11-point lead, 46-35, with 11:22 remaining.

The Wildcats bounced back with a 9-2 run to narrow the game to 48-44 with 8:45 remaining. Ashia Woods and Romero each converted wide open layups, while Knoll registered a layup and a three on consecutive possessions.

A pair of free throws from Knoll gave K-State its first lead of the afternoon with 3:44 remaining in the game. After forcing a missed shot from the Cowgirls, Knoll answered with a fadeaway bank shot to give the Wildcats a 57-53 lead with 2:59 to play.

Oklahoma State used an 8-0 run to capture a 61-57 lead on the Wildcats with under a minute to play. Following a pair of Bias free throws, K-State turned the ball over to Oklahoma State during the Cowgirls full court press resulting in a quick layup. Another K-State turnover resulted in a two free throws for OSU, followed by a layup by Brittany Atkins. Free throws from Bias sealed the victory for the Cowgirls.

Oklahoma State saw four players reach double figures, led by Bias and Brittney Martin. Bias recorded 17 points, while Martin registered a double-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, four steals and two assists.

For the game, K-State shot .390 from the field including .452 in the second half. Oklahoma State shot .480 from the floor which included a .364 effort in the second half.

Kansas State will conclude its 2013-14 regular season schedule on Monday night, as the Wildcats host TCU at 7 p.m. Prior to the game, K-State will honor its three seniors – Chantay Caron, Ashlynn Knoll and Katya Leick – for their contributions to the program. For tickets, contact the K-State Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 221-CATS or visit www.kstatesports.com/tickets.

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