As a result, the Wildcats outscored Cincinnati 20-12 in the paint after the break without hitting a single 3-pointer. An 8-0 run gave them their first lead on a Coleman Hawkins basket with 10:52 left, and after the Bearcats briefly went in front again by one, CJ Jones triggered an 8-2 spurt that put K-State in front for good.

At this point, the Kansas State Wildcats are no longer on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. Their only hopes of making the Big Dance are winning the Big 12 conference tournament. But that doesn't mean they aren't playing with desperation during the last days of the regular season.