Kansas State Wildcats Men's Basketball Defeats Cleveland State Vikings Men's Basketball

Wildcats' Strong Second Half Leads to 72-59 Victory

Kansas State Rallies from Behind to Secure Win

The Kansas State Wildcats men's basketball team overcame a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat the Cleveland State Vikings men's basketball team by a score of 72-59 on Monday night at Bramlage Coliseum. The Wildcats improved to 2-0 on the season, while the Vikings fell to 1-2.

Kansas State was led by forward Keyontae Johnson, who scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Guard Markquis Nowell added 17 points and six assists, and forward David Sloan added 12 points.

Cleveland State was led by guard Idris Lawal, who scored 17 points. Guard Torrey Patton added 15 points, and forward D'Moi Hodge added 13 points.

The Vikings took an early lead in the game and held a 35-26 advantage at halftime. However, the Wildcats came out strong in the second half and quickly erased the deficit. Kansas State took its first lead of the game with 12:59 remaining in the second half, and the Wildcats never looked back.

The Wildcats shot 51.9% from the field in the second half, while the Vikings shot just 34.8%. Kansas State also outrebounded Cleveland State 41-28 in the second half.

The Wildcats' victory was their first over a Division I opponent this season. Kansas State will be back in action on Wednesday night when they host the Southern Illinois Salukis.