- Guard scores 19 points in final 20 minutes
- Wildcats shoot 75% in decisive fourth quarter
- Team ties program's third-best two-season record (52 wins)
In a thrilling Big 12 Tournament showdown, Kansas State's Serena Sundell transformed a close game into a dominant 80-65 victory with a career-defining second half. The junior guard's explosive performance came when it mattered most, converting 5-of-6 field goals in the final quarter to secure the Wildcats' 26th win this season.
Head coach Jeff Mittie's squad continues rewriting program history, matching their 2022-23 victory total while maintaining Top 25 status for 15 consecutive weeks. This Midwest basketball powerhouse has now advanced past the opening round in 75% of their Big 12 Tournament appearances since 1996, establishing consistent postseason success rare among non-blueblood programs.
Friday's quarterfinal presents a strategic rematch against No. 16 West Virginia, who defeated K-State by 13 points in February. Analysts note the Wildcats' improved ball distribution since that loss, averaging 18.7 assists per game compared to their season average of 15.2 - a critical factor against the Mountaineers' conference-leading defense.
While Sundell stole the spotlight, Zyanna Walker's 13-point contribution and Kennedy Taylor's clutch rebounding demonstrated Kansas State's offensive depth. The team's 42% three-point conversion rate this tournament now ranks second among remaining Big 12 competitors.
UCF's Kaitlin Peterson continued her scoring dominance with 21 points, extending her streak of 20+ point tournament performances to three games. However, the Knights' 38% field goal accuracy proved insufficient against K-State's defensive adjustments in the paint.
Midwest basketball analysts highlight K-State's unique position as the only program in the Central Time Zone to reach 25+ wins in consecutive seasons. This regional dominance could prove pivotal for NCAA Tournament seeding, with bracketologists currently projecting the Wildcats as a 5-seed.