The Kansas State Wildcats (16-8, 4-5) finally picked up their first conference road victory, but it was not easy. The Wildcats had to rely on a late layup by senior guard Jacob Pullen to finally prevail 86-85 over the Iowa State Cyclones (14-10, 1-8).

The game was highly competitive throughout as each team continued to trade buckets. By halftime there had been five ties and six lead changes.

With under one minute to go in the game and K-State down by four, Pullen nailed a clutch three that pulled Kansas State to within one of the Cyclones. Then on the defensive end the Wildcats made a crucial stop, holding Iowa State’s Diante Garrett to a contested shot in the lane.

After a timeout, with 12.8 seconds left and the ball in Pullen’s hand, the senior made a move towards the basket. He lost the ball initially but was able to recover and make a wide-open game-winning layup.

The Wildcats as a team had 17 assists on 33-of-65 (51%) shooting. They also converted on a staggering 14-27 (52%) from three, a new season-high.

Pullen was the only starter for K-State in double-figures with 21 points. Complimenting his 21 points were eight assists, three rebounds, and two steals.

Off the bench, Will Spradling added 14 points, Nick Russell had 13 in his first action since the Texas A&M game, and Martavious Irving posted 10 points.

Garrett of Iowa State led all scorers with 23 points and eight assists. Scott Christopherson added 22 points and four rebounds on 8-of-11 (72%) shooting. Darion Anderson finished with 18 and Bubu Palo had 10.

With the come-from-behind Wildcat victory, Kansas State is now one win away from improving to .500 in Big 12 Conference play. The Wildcats do not have a mid-week game and will travel to Boulder next Saturday to take on the Colorado Buffaloes.