Kansas State fans got their first on-court look at men’s basketball coach Casey Alexander’s inaugural team Friday evening, as the Wildcats faced off against former conference rival Missouri in an exhibition game at Bramlage Coliseum.
The Tigers entered the season picked eighth by SEC coaches, and were at the top of the “receiving votes” field in the first AP rankings of the season, unofficially coming into the season as the No. 26 team.
K-State survived a big Tiger run early in the second half and fought its way to a close 71-67 loss.
The Wildcats opened the game on a quick 9-0 run on three 3-pointers, but Missouri quickly added eight straight of its own to get back within a point.
K-State’s 3-point prowess didn’t extend much past that opening spurt, as the Wildcats only hit six more 3s in the game, ending with a 9-of-34 clip from beyond the arc.
K-State’s lead never eclipsed that early nine-point advantage, but the Wildcats were able to use a strong first-half defensive effort to never trail in the first 20 minutes, heading into the half ahead by five, 32-27.
