Kansas State overmatch OSU Cowboys 85-46

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — There was a possibility of Kansas State overlooking Oklahoma State on Saturday with a huge matchup with Kansas looming Monday night.

The Wildcats were ready to play overmatching the Cowboys from the opening tip in an 85-46 victory.

“I got on our guys this morning because our shoot around didn’t have great emotion,” coach Bruce Weber said. “We did some good things and got some layups early and moved the basketball. It all goes back to defense and defense gives you a chance and defense wins championships.”

The Wildcats scored the first 15 points of the game, forcing five turnovers.

“We keep talking about trust and he definitely helped his trust today,” Weber said. “Xavier was fighting the flu and you just have to give him credit to play and be one of our leading scorers is great.”

The Wildcats (21-6, 11-3 in Big 12 play) shot 62 percent and held the Cowboys to 31 percent.

Yor Anei, who had 12 points for Oklahoma State (10-17, 3-11).

“K-State dominated us for 40 minutes and we never had a response,” coach Mike Boynton said. “I don’t have enough time to say all the things we could’ve done better. They’ve got size, experience and are well coached and they just have everything it takes to play for a national title.”

It was largest margin of victory for the Wildcats in Big 12 play since 1998 when they beat Missouri by 55.