The Wildcats’ magical run ends with 78-62 loss in Elite Eight
It took until the Elite Eight, but the absence of Dean Wade finally caught up to Kansas State.
Loyola Chicago looked nothing like a Cinderella story Saturday evening, punching its ticket to the Final Four via a thorough, 78-62 dismantling of the Wildcats in Atlanta.
The recipe K-State used to reach the South Region title game — one of stifling defense and transition offense — didn’t stand a chance against a team powered by flawless execution, fate, or both.
The Ramblers shot 57 percent, including 50 percent from long range, and led by as many as 23 points. K-State’s last lead in the game came at the less than five minutes in, before a 11-0 run for Loyola.
Overland Park native Ben Richardson stole the show for the Ramblers, knocking down six three-pointers and leading Loyola with 23 points.
Loyola, unlike Kentucky, UMBC and Creighton, was able to solve K-State’s defense for much of the game.
Xavier Sneed led K-State in scoring with 16 points and in rebounds with six.
Dean Wade did not play.
The Wildcats finished their season with a 25-12 record after being picked to finish 8th in the Big 12 Conference.
