Without senior forward Curtis Kelly, who was still serving an 6-game suspension, the Kansas State Wildcats (13-5) dropped their first two Big 12 games after having leads in both. In his first game back, the Wildcats took it to the Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-10) 94-60 to notch their first conference win of 2010-11.

K-State started off with a three ball by Jacob Pullen and never let Texas Tech lead in the game.

The Wildcats out-rebounded the Red Raiders 41-18, and pulled down 14 on the offensive end. More impressively, the Wildcats dished out 25 assist, to compliment its 35 made field goals.

This was definitely a confidence building game for the Wildcats after dropping two straight games.

Four players were in double-figures for Kansas State led by junior Jamar Samuels‘ 22 point, nine rebound, five assist performance. Pullen scored 21 points, which was his fourth straight game with 20 or more points, and added five assist.

In Kelly’s first game back, he went 6-of-8 (75%) from the field, scoring 12 points, while adding five rebounds and three assist.

Two players were in double figures for the Red Raiders, led by John Roberson‘s 19 points and five assist. Brad Reese scored 11, as Kansas State serves Texas Tech its worst loss of the season.

Up next for K-State is a road trip to Columbia, MO to take on Missouri Tigers, who are coming off an overtime loss at Texas A&M. Both teams will look to avoid falling to a surprising 1-3 record in Big 12 Conference play. The game is set to tip-off at 4:30PM Central as part of ESPN’s Big Monday.