The Kansas State Wildcats did about what was expected Sunday, defeating the Green Bay Phoenix 82-64.
Without the services of super-senior Mike McGuirl (illness), and with Selton Miguel and Nijel Pack fighting through their own physical issues, the Wildcats (6-3) rode the solid efforts of newcomers Markquis Nowell (22 points, 8 assists), Ismael Massoud (17 points, 5-5 FG, 4-4 3-point FG, 3-3 FT) and Mark Smith (14 points, 10 rebounds) to an easy victory.
Lack of defensive focus to start both halves threatened to keep this one in doubt. Green Bay (2-8) scored 15 points in the game’s first 4:37 and, after a three-point bucket by Kamari McGee, the Phoenix led K-State 15-12.