No. 3 Kansas State Outlasts No. 7 Michigan State in Epic OT Thriller
Markquis Nowell’s record-setting performance powered the Wildcats to the Elite Eight on Thursday night.
Kansas State secured a spot in the Elite Eight after taking down Michigan State 98–93 in an instant NCAA men’s tournament classic on Thursday night.
The game was pushed into overtime after Spartans guard Tyson Walker scored a layup in the final six seconds of regulation. The extra five minutes saw five lead changes and three ties.
The Wildcats sealed the game after forward Ismael Massoud drained a jumper with 15 seconds left in overtime. This was the first overtime game of the 2023 March Madness tournament.
Markquis Nowell (20 points, 19 assists, five steals) and Keyontae Johnson (22 points, six rebounds) shined in their Sweet 16 performances. Nowell broke the NCAA men’s tournament record with 19 assists.
On Michigan State’s side, A.J. Hoggard led the team with 25 points, while Joey Hauser brought down six rebounds. However, the Spartans couldn’t stave off elimination after taking down No. 10 USC in the first round and No. 2 Marquette in the second round.
Kansas State will face the winner of the matchup between Tennessee and Florida Atlantic on Saturday in the Elite Eight.