After being manhandled by Duke in the finals of the CBE Classic earlier this week, the Kansas State Wildcats (5-1) bounced back with a resounding win over Texas Southern (1-5) 84-60.

Plagued thus far in the season by horrendous free-throw shooting, the Wildcats looked much better against Texas Southern, converting on 68% (13-of-19) of their attempts. While that number is still relatively low and could certainly use improvement, one must keep in mind that the Wildcats had not converted on more than 55% from the free-throw line in any of their first five games this season.

The Wildcats were dominant on the glass, collecting 18 offensive rebounds and 42 overall for the night. K-State also nailed seven three-pointers and dished 18 assists.

Three players scored in double figures for the Wildcats. After scoring a career-low three-points against Duke, Jacob Pullen responded by scoring 16 points, dishing seven assists, and grabbing three rebounds. Curtis Kelly, who played very well against Duke, scored 13 points, collected five rebounds, and dished four assists. Sophomore guard Rodney McGruder reached double-figures with 10 points while grabbing four rebounds  and dishing two assists.

In all, this game was nice to see after the collapse against Duke, but it has to be put into perspective. The Wildcats played a 1-4 (now 1-5) Texas Southern team. If this game had been even remotely close, some serious questions about the Wildcats would be raised. Unrelated to the opponent at hand, however, were the free-throw statistics. It remains to be seen if this is a trend for the future or just a blip on the radar. If the Wildcats hope to make a deep run come March, they had better hope it’s the beginning of a new trend in their repertoire.

Jordan Henriquez-Roberts and Wally Judge both chipped in nine points. Twelve players total scored on offense for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats return to Bramlage Coliseum to face off against in-state foe Emporia State on Monday, November 29th.