Thomas Gipson has easily been the most consistent player for Kansas State this year. He’s not only a great option for offense down-low, but the 6-7, 250-pound four man has defended well and attacked the glass.

He continued that dominance against the North Florida Ospreys (5-5, 1-0). Gipson finished with a game-high 23 points, 10 came in the first half, and 12 rebounds, including five huge offensive rebounds. His contributions on offense was needed as Gipson was the only source of offense for the Wildcats early on in the game. Gipson was a huge reason for the Wildcats 79-68 overtime victory.

Will Spradling, who at a point was 0-4 and had zero points but six assist, stepped up big-time down the stretch. Spradling hit two big threes, including one to give the Wildcats a two-point cushion late in the game before overtime. Spradling finished with 12 points, nine assist, five rebounds and a career-high three blocks.

Rodney McGruder and Jamar Samuels also finished in double-figures for the Wildcats. McGruder finished with 10 points, five rebounds, while Samuels added 12 points, five rebounds, three steals and blocks.

As for North Florida, the Ospreys came to play and displayed the Wildcats biggest flaw this season; defending the three. There was a point in the game where junior guard Jerron Granberry hit back-to-back three’s to put North Florida up nine and in command of the game.

Despite shooting 7-18 (39%) from three, North Florida couldn’t put together much offense when it mattered. Granberry finished in double-figures with 12 points, all coming from behind the three-point line.

Parker Smith and Jimmy Williams Jr, both finished with a team-high 13 points, while Smith added five rebounds.

After surviving a scare against North Florida, the Wildcats are on the road next to face their toughest opponent on the season thus far. Kansas State travels to Kansas City to take on the No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide (7-2, 0-0) at the Sprint Center.