K-State runs over Montana State into next round of NCAA Tournament

Kansas State forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin drives to the basket past Montana State guard Caleb Fuller during the first half of a first-round college basketball…

Kansas State forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin drives to the basket past Montana State guard Caleb Fuller during the first half of a first-round college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament on Friday, March 17, 2023, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

by: PJ Green

Posted: Mar 17, 2023 / 11:08 PM CDT

Updated: Mar 17, 2023 / 11:12 PM CDT

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Kansas State Wildcats are heading to the round of 32 in the men’s NCAA Tournament.

K-State beat Montana State 77-65 in the first round of the tournament. Kansas State will face Kentucky in the next round on Sunday.

The game began with a tight margin before KSU pulled away at the end of the first half with a 34-28 score at halftime. The Wildcats did not relinquish the lead from there.

Keyontae Johnson led the Wildcats with 18 points with eight rebounds while Markquis Nowell exploded in the second half with 17 points and 14 assists and Nae’Qwan Tomlin added 13 points.

This is Kansas State’s first tournament win since 2018.