March 29, 2024

Mount St. Mary’s, Kansas State win in First Four games

DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — After finally making it into the NCAA Tournament with its offensive balance, Kansas State showcased its array of scorers in the First Four.

Kamau Stokes scored 19 of his 22 points in the second half of a wide-open game on Tuesday night, and the Wildcats’ versatility was the difference as they pulled away to a 95-88 victory over Wake Forest.

Eleventh-seeded K-State (21-13) got its first NCAA Tournament win in five years and a trip to play No. 6 Cincinnati on Friday in Sacramento as part of the South Regional. The Bearcats are known for their tight defense.

“It’s a good matchup for us,” said Wesley Iwundu , who had 24 points. “You know they’re a tough team, but we’re down for any challenge. We’re the underdogs now but we like being the underdogs.”

In a matchup of two versatile offenses, the Wildcats had the most options and hot shooters. Four players finished in double figures — their season norm — as the Wildcats shot a season-high 66 percent from the field against a team they had never faced.

“Now you’re playing somebody new and maybe you can get some of the little looks that you haven’t gotten in probably like the last six weeks,” coach Bruce Weber said.

Stokes missed three of his four shots in the first half, but found his touch right away after the break, hitting a pair of quick 3s.

Wake Forest (19-14 ) couldn’t keep up during its first NCAA Tournament game in seven years.

“We came close and then we let them build another lead,” said John Collins, who had 26 points and nine rebounds. “So I think it was kind of a trend.”

Mount St. Marys 67, New Orleans 66

DAYTON, Ohio — Diminutive point guard Junior Robinson scored 23 points, including the go-ahead jumper with 1:27 to play, and Mount St. Mary’s held on for a 67-66 victory over New Orleans on Tuesday night in the opening game of the First Four.

Robinson carried the Mountaineers (20-15) to only their second NCAA Tournament win.

They’ll head to Buffalo to play defending national champion and Villanova in the East Regional on Thursday.

Mount St. Mary’s led most of the way, but New Orleans (20-12) pulled off a comeback befitting its resurgent season.