'Humbled' Kansas State aims to get right vs. Utah

Field Level Media|published: Sun 16th February, 16:52 2025

Feb 15, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes guard Gabe Madsen (55) drives past Kansas Jayhawks forward KJ Adams (24) during the second half at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images

After being admittedly "humbled" on Saturday, Kansas State will try to get back on track Monday night when it visits Utah in Salt Lake City.

That appears even more challenging considering the Utes (14-11, 6-8 Big 12) just humbled another team from the Jayhawk State over the weekend in a surprising 74-67 upset win over No. 17 Kansas.

The Wildcats (13-12, 7-7) are coming off of an 80-65 drubbing at BYU on Saturday. The blowout loss 40 miles down the road in Provo, Utah, snapped Kansas State's six-game winning streak.

"We were on a hot streak and got humbled, so it's time to start it up again," said Wildcats guard Dug McDaniel, who scored 22 points in the loss. "That's my main mindset. I feel like the guys are gonna take this loss very seriously and we're gonna go get the next one."

After a solid run that boosted Kansas State's postseason hopes, the Wildcats will need a much better start than they had against the Cougars while falling behind 40-22 by halftime.

"Hopefully, they can move on real quick," Kansas State coach Jerome Tang said. "Make it a one-game season."

Slowing down Utah's Gabe Madsen will be key for the Wildcats.

The fifth-year guard scored 24 points against Kansas and hit five 3-pointers to become the Utes' all-time leader with 288 career triples. Nick Jacobson (2000-04) held the previous record of 287.

"It's been an up-and-down year for me shooting wise, so to do it tonight and in that fashion is just, it's pretty cool," Madsen said. "I mean, that's one I'll remember for a long time."

Saturday's win marked Utah's first Quad 1 victory in 10 attempts this season.

Madsen ended up hitting 5 of 13 attempts from deep for the Utes, who finished with 11 3s against the Jayhawks. He had a clutch trey and free throws in the waning moments to fend off a Kansas comeback attempt.

"I'm so happy for him, and obviously it helps our team," Utah coach Craig Smith said. "I mean, because when you have a weapon like that, and when you can make shots, it just makes us a way better basketball team on so many levels."

--Field Level Media