Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Women prepare to play Creighton after taking Wildcat Classic crown


Following the Wildcats’ third consecutive Commerce Bank Wildcat Classic championship, K-State will continue its non-conference schedule in a match-up against Creighton (2-4) tonight with tip-off set for 7 p.m.

The Wildcats (7-0) defeated the Arkansas Razorbacks 65-56 in the championship game of the Wildcat Classic, following a dominating 80-22 win over Alcorn State in the opening round.

The lopsided victory provided valuable playing experience for the Wildcats’ bench players.

“I am happy to see that everyone got to play tonight,” senior guard Shalee Lehning said. “People got good minutes and these are the type of games that give people experience and that is something that will benefit us in the future.”

Arkansas proved to be stiff competition as the team continued to pressure the Wildcats by cutting early K-State leads.

Head coach Deb Patterson was pleased with her team’s performance, particularly with the offense.

“I think we beat a great basketball team tonight and I was extremely pleased with the play of our post game,” Patterson said. “I thought we stepped up and played extremely well in the paint but, all in all, I think it was a game where our players really connected well on the offensive end of the floor.”

The Creighton Bluejays of the Missouri Valley Conference now come to Manhattan to finish a two-game road trip after falling to No. 6-ranked Oklahoma 69-49 in Norman.

Following the impressive performance in the Wildcat Classic, K-State entered the AP poll this week for the first time this season at the 23rd slot.

The Wildcats were previously represented in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches poll at the 23rd spot and remain there in the current poll.

The homestand will conclude following tonight’s game against Creighton when the Wildcats face the University of Texas at Arlington Sunday with tip-off set for 1 p.m.

The Wildcats will then take their final non-conference road trip, which includes three games in late December.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Knight

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