The Kansas State Wildcats have been on a remarkable run, extending their winning streak to 14 consecutive games. After defeating Arizona and Arizona State at home last week, the team has earned NCAA.com Team of the Week honors. The Wildcats now boast an impressive 19-1 overall record and a perfect 7-0 in Big 12 Conference play. This marks only the second time in program history that Kansas State has started a season with a 19-1 record. The current win streak ties for the second-longest in school history and matches last year's achievement.
Shooting Stars Light Up the Court
In their recent 81-69 victory over Arizona State, the Wildcats showcased their prowess from beyond the arc. In the second half, they hit seven three-pointers, totaling 13 out of 24 attempts (.542) for the game, matching their season-high. Senior forward Temira Poindexter led the charge with 19 points, shooting 7-of-9 from the field and 5-of-7 from long range. She also contributed five rebounds and four assists. Joining her were senior guard Serena Sundell with 15 points, five assists, and six rebounds, and sophomore guard Taryn Sides, who scored 11 points off the bench while dishing out six assists.
Poindexter's performance was particularly noteworthy, as she has been consistently effective from the perimeter. Over her last three games, she has shot 48% from three-point range. The Wildcats' bench played a crucial role, outscoring Arizona State's reserves 22-5. Senior guard Jaelyn Glenn added 10 points in the second half, shooting a perfect 4-for-4, along with three rebounds and two assists. The team's balanced attack and strong perimeter shooting were key factors in securing the win.
Defensive Dominance and Milestone Achievements
Earlier in the week, Kansas State faced a tough challenge against Arizona but managed to secure a 62-47 victory. During this game, Sundell reached a significant milestone by scoring her 1,507th career point, becoming the 14th player in Wildcat history to surpass the 1,500-point mark. She led the team with 16 points, eight assists, four rebounds, a block, and a steal. Poindexter also contributed 14 points, while senior center Ayoka Lee dominated defensively with a career-high eight blocks, tying the school record for blocks in a conference game.
The Wildcats' defense has been a cornerstone of their success this season. They average 83.2 points per game while holding opponents to just 52.0 points. Their only loss came on November 25 against Duke, but since then, they have been nearly unstoppable, winning all seven Big 12 games by double digits. Ranked No. 10 in the latest Associated Press Top-25 Women’s College Basketball Poll, Kansas State is set to face Colorado on January 25. The team's combination of offensive firepower and defensive dominance has made them one of the most formidable teams in women's college basketball this season.