The Kansas State Wildcats got an unexpectedly stiff test for a bit from the Texas Tech Red Raiders, but a career night from sophomore forward Thomas Gipson propelled them to a 75-55 win on Monday night.
No. 13 Kansas State vs. Texas Tech final score: Wildcats cruise in second half, win 75-55
The Wildcats struggled a bit against the Red Raiders on Monday night before blowing the game wide open in the second half.
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The Wildcats went on a couple of runs in the first half, but the Red Raiders stayed around in the game thanks to hot shooting from Jaye Crockett. Kansas State took a one-point lead into half over Texas Tech, who sit near the bottom of the Big 12.
Gipson scored eight straight points for the Wildcats to open the second half and pull away from the Red Raiders. Gipson, who averages 7.7 points a game this year, finished with a season-high 20 points. Guard Angel Rodriguez chipped in 16 points and seven assists.
With the win, the Wildcats will at least maintain a tie with the Kansas Jayhawks for the top spot in the Big 12 standings. Kansas plays Iowa State later Monday evening.
The Wildcats’ sloppy play in the first half allowed the Red Raiders to linger around. Kansas State had nine turnovers at half, but came out in the second half with much better ball control. They finished the game with 12 total turnovers.
Freshman Texas Tech guard Dusty Hannahs tried to match Gipson's points to keep his team in the game. Hannahs averages 6.6 points per game on the year but finished the game leading Texas Tech with 14 points.
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