KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Behind some good shooting and tenacious defense, the Kansas State Wildcats knocked off the eighth-ranked Florida Gators at Sprint Center on Saturday night.
It is the first time Kansas State has defeated a non-conference opponent ranked in the top 10 since 1981.
Kansas State (9-2, 6-0 home) trailed 19-17 with 7:55 to play in the first half, but finished the half on a 16-4 run, and led by 10 points at the break.
Florida (8-2, 1-1 away) opened the second half with an 18-8 run, and tied the game at 41-41 on a three-pointer by Kenny Boynton. K-State quickly jumped back out in front on a three-pointer by senior guard Martavious Irving, and never relinquished the lead.
Junior guard Will Spradling led the Wildcats with 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The Gators got a double-double from junior center Patric Young, who finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
K-State shot 41.7% from the field, and 41.2% from beyond the arc. They outrebounded the Gators 35-25.
Kansas State will host the UMKC Kangaroos on Saturday night at Bramlage Coliseum.
