K-State Holds Off UTEP 78-70 in Hawaii

HONOLULU – The Kansas State Wildcats used a late rally to pull away from UTEP on Friday, winning 78-70 in the semifinals of the Diamond Head Classic.

Angel Rodriguez led the Wildcats (9-1) with 16 points, 11 of which came during the second half. Jamar Samuels added another 10 points and 12 rebounds for K-State, who actually fell behind 59-57 after the Miners (5-6) went on a 27-10 run midway through the second half.

The Wildcats then went on an 11-0 run to pull away for the win.

Jacques Streeter led UTEP with 15 points.

Kansas State will play the winner of Friday night’s Auburn-Long Beach State game for the tournament championship on Sunday.