By Randy Peterson, K-State Athletics Communications
(File Photo)
TULSA, Okla. – With a school record 14 blocked shots, Kansas State recovered from a nine-point deficit late in the third quarter to secure a 75-67 win at Tulsa on Friday night.
The Wildcats registered 14 blocks surpassing the previous mark of 13 set in 2006. Four Wildcats tallied two or more blocks.
Leaders: Kaylee Page made her K-State debut a memorable one with a game-high 21 points on 8-of-11 shooting including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Joining Page in double figures were Breanna Lewis with 13 points and six blocks, Megan Deines with 12 points and Bri Craig with 11 points.
K-State jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead in the first four minutes of the game. Kaylee Page recorded five of the eight points, including her first career 3-point field goal.
Tulsa roared back with a 14-1 run to secure a 14-9 lead with 3:12 to play in the opening quarter. The Golden Hurricane were paced by Crystal Polk and Antoinet Webster with four points each.
The Golden Hurricane would hold a 20-16 advantage at the end of the opening frame. The Wildcats shot .333 from the floor in the first quarter.
The Wildcats jumped back into the lead at 24-22 with 7:58 to play in the second quarter, as Bri Craig drained three-point field goals on consecutive possessions.
Page converted a rare four-point play with 5:10 to play in the second stanza, giving K-State a 28-25 lead.A 7-0 run by Tulsa pushed them back into the lead at 32-28 with 3:29 remaining.
The Wildcats closed out the first half with a 5-0 run to even the game at 34.
K-State used a 9-2 run to begin the third quarter to build a 43-36 lead with 6:18 left.
Similar to the first quarter, Tulsa zoomed past K-State with a 16-0 run to build a 52-43 lead with 1:45 to play in the third quarter.
The Wildcats scored the last four points of the third quarter to trail by five, 52-47, entering the fourth.
Page drained her third 3-point field goal of the night to bring K-State to within three, 55-52, with 7:14 to play and force a Tulsa timeout.
Page knocked down her fourth three-pointer to tie the game at 6:17 remaining.
A Shaelyn Martin layup with 4:30 to play tied the game at 61 and jump started a 14-6 run by K-State.
During the run, Deines scored eight of her 12 points to help close out the win.
K-State shot .410 (25-of-61) from the field, including .455 (10-of-22) from the 3-point line. Tulsa was .413 (26-of-63) from the floor and .375 (9-of-24) from the 3.The Wildcats dished out 15 assists and had just nine turnovers.
K-State was 15-of-20 (.750) from the free throw line.
K-State returns to Bramlage Coliseum on Monday for the home opener against Abilene Christian. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. as part of a doubleheader with the Men’s team. Their game with Columbia tips at 8 p.m.
