Kansas State made its ninth appearance in the semifinals Phillips 66 Big 12 Championships on Sunday afternoon, but (1/1) Baylor proved to be too strong and downed the Wildcats 88-60 at Chesapeake Energy Arena. This was the sixth meeting in the last nine seasons between the schools in the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championships.
The loss snaps K-State’s six-game winning streak, however, Kansas State has won seven of its last nine games with both losses coming against the Lady Bears during that stretch.
Kansas State (21-11) dashed out to a 16-10 lead in the first six minutes of the contest. The Wildcats shot 63.6 percent (7-of-11) from the field to start, as Rachel Ranke and Christianna Carr each hit a three-pointer.
Baylor (30-1) would end the first quarter on an 11-2 run to pull in front 21-18 at the end of frame.
K-State kept matters close in the first five minutes of the second quarter, as the Wildcats overcame an eight-point deficit to trail by six, 33-27, with 4:59 remaining. Jasauen Beard scored four straight points for the Wildcats to bring them to within two possessions.
The Lady Bears would conclude the first half on a 14-2 run to hold a 47-29 lead at the break. K-State was held to 18.2 percent shooting (2-of-11) in the second quarter and a 34.5 percent effort (10-of-29) in the opening half. Baylor shot 43.2 percent (16-of-37) and were boosted by 10 offensive rebounds.
In the final quarter, K-State opened the quarter on a 10-0 run and closed to within 76-55 to force a Baylor timeout with 7:18 to play. The Lady Bears then inserted their starters back into the game to rebuild its lead to 28 points, 86-58, with 2:40 to play. The Wildcats would win the fourth quarter, 15-12.
Kansas State ended the afternoon shooting 28.8 percent (17-of-59) from the floor, while Baylor shot 45.2 percent (33-of-73). The Lady Bears outpaced the Wildcats on the boards, 54-32.
The Wildcats had three players in doubles figures, as Peyton Williams tallied 12 points and seven rebounds, Christianna Carr added 12 points and three rebounds and Rachel Ranke notched 10 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Baylor had four players in double figures led by Kalani Brown with 24 points and nine rebounds. Lauren Cox added 18 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists.
Kansas State is postseason eligible for the fifth straight season. The Wildcats will find out its postseason destination on Monday, March 18, as the 2019 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship bracket will be announced on ESPN at 6 p.m.
