Full Breakdown
Kansas State Wildcats Edge California Golden Bears in High-Scoring Thriller
11/14/2025, 1:08:09 PM
Game Overview
On November 13, 2025, the Kansas State Wildcats narrowly defeated the California Golden Bears 99-96 in a thrilling nonconference college basketball matchup at Bramlage Coliseum. This game marked the first significant test of the season for both teams, with Kansas State improving to 3-0 and California falling to 3-1.
First Half Dominance
Kansas State established control early, leading 55-34 at halftime. The Wildcats showcased a potent offense, shooting 67.6% from the field and 75% from three-point range in the first half. P.J. Haggerty, who finished with 23 points, was instrumental in this offensive onslaught, contributing significantly despite a slow start. Khamari McGriff and Nate Johnson added 21 and 20 points, respectively, while David Castillo provided a strong bench performance with 16 points.
California's Second-Half Surge
The Golden Bears mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, outscoring Kansas State 62-44. Dai Dai Ames, a former Kansas State player, led Cal with 25 points, while Chris Bell scored 27 points, including several crucial three-pointers. Cal's shooting improved dramatically, hitting 67% from the field in the second half, but they ultimately fell short despite cutting a 25-point deficit to just three points in the final minute.
Key Statistics
Kansas State's overall shooting percentage was 64.4%, while California shot 56.5%. The game featured a remarkable 195 combined points, setting a record for the highest-scoring game in Bramlage Coliseum's history. Kansas State's ability to maintain a lead despite a late surge from Cal highlighted their offensive capabilities, but their defensive lapses in the second half raised concerns.
Official Statements & Responses
Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly on defense, stating, "It’s about focus... Human nature is that you get a big lead, and then guys tend to think, ‘Okay, I can relax a little bit.’" Conversely, Cal head coach Mark Madsen expressed pride in his team's second-half performance, emphasizing the importance of starting strong against top-tier opponents.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, Cal's late-game performance drew praise, with critics noting that the Bears demonstrated resilience and potential for improvement. However, concerns were raised about their defensive strategy, particularly in the first half, where they struggled to contain Kansas State's fast-paced offense.
What's Next
Kansas State will look to maintain their undefeated streak as they prepare to face Tulsa in their next game. Meanwhile, California will aim to bounce back in their upcoming matchup against Presbyterian, focusing on tightening their defense and maintaining their offensive momentum.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In the first half, every single one us got blitzed,” — Mark Madsen, Head Coach, California Golden Bears
- “And the great thing is that we have a lot of teaching film we can use from a win. It’s a whole lot better to teach after a win than it is after a loss.” — Jerome Tang, Head Coach, Kansas State Wildcats
This matchup showcased the offensive firepower of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead in college basketball.
