K-State HC Tang improves OT record with upset over No. 4 Kansas

Kansas State Wildcats head coach Jerome Tang. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas State HC Jerome Tang improves OT record with upset over No. 4 Kansas

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 2/6/24

Kansas State head coach Jerome Tang improved to a remarkable 11-0 in overtime games on Monday night as the Wildcats upset in-state rival Kansas at home, 75-70.

It's the second year in a row the Jayhawks left Manhattan with an overtime loss. Last year, Kansas State pulled out an 83-82 win.

Associated Press No. 4 Kansas (18-5, 6-4 in Big 12) entered a 3.5-point favorite and led 41-30 early in the second half. Kansas State guard Tylor Perry fueled the comeback, scoring 26 points, including 21 in the second half and overtime.

ESPN's Jeff Borzello noted on social media that Kansas State improved to 6-0 in overtime this season, tied for the most overtime wins in a season in Division I history.

Via @ESPNStatsInfo: Kansas State's six overtime wins this season ties the Division I record for most overtime wins in a season.
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) February 6, 2024

Tang spoke with ESPN's Scott Van Pelt following the game and detailed how crucial the win was.

"Winning home games is so important in the Big 12 ... you win nine games in this conference, and you're in the tournament," he said.

The Wildcats entered the game on a four-game losing streak and in 4-5 in conference play.

Last year, Kansas State (15-8, 5-5 in Big 12) reached the Elite Eight in Tang's first season as head coach. He joined the program after 20 seasons as an assistant at Baylor.

The win is massive for the Wildcats' 2024 NCAA Tournament chances. In Joe Lunardi's most recent Bracketology update on Feb. 2, Kansas State is outside the top 68 and isn't even included in the "First Four Out" or "Next Four Out" tiers.

Its next game is on Saturday at No. 21 BYU (16-5, 4-4 in Big 12), the first of two meetings with the Cougars. Kansas State also has a rematch with Kansas in Lawrence before it closes the season against No. 14 Iowa State (16-5, 5-3 in Big 12).

The Wildcats have plenty of opportunities to improve their resume ahead of Selection Sunday on March 17.

They'd be a shoo-in if they could only guarantee their upcoming games go to overtime.

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