Kansas State’s run through the Big 12 Tournament just turned into one of the best stories in college basketball this week.
The No. 12 seed Wildcats stunned No. 4 seed Oklahoma State 74–73 on Friday night in Kansas City, advancing to the Big 12 semifinals and making program history in the process. Kansas State is now the first No. 12 seed ever to reach the Big 12 Women’s Tournament semifinals.
And the ending? Pure March Madness.
Freshman Jordan Speiser exploded for 21 points, Tess Heal hit the game-winning free throw with 1.3 seconds left, and Kansas State survived one of the most chaotic finishes of the tournament.
Head coach Jeff Mittie summed it up best.
“Great game. Finish was hectic to say the least… proud of my group for really fighting and hanging in there.”
Jordan Speiser Ignites the Wildcats
The breakout star of the night was freshman Jordan Speiser, who delivered the best performance of her young career.
Speiser scored 21 points, including 18 in the second half, and knocked down five three-pointers to fuel Kansas State’s comeback.
Her biggest moment came with 15.5 seconds left, when she launched a deep three that bounced off the rim, popped straight into the air, and dropped through the net.
That shot pushed Kansas State’s lead to 73–68.
Speiser later explained where that confidence comes from.
“I feel like confidence is probably just coming from all the shots that I know I do put up… when I get in that zone, whatever happens happens.”
Her teammates call her “J-Spice.”
And right now, she’s cooking.
Across the Big 12 Tournament, Speiser has been lethal from deep:
• 6-for-8 vs Cincinnati
• 2-for-7 vs Texas Tech
• 5-for-10 vs Oklahoma State
That’s 13 made threes in three games.
Kansas State’s Fourth Quarter Magic Continues
For the second straight game, Kansas State closed like a veteran team.
The Wildcats trailed for much of the night and even fell behind by nine points during the game.
But in the fourth quarter, they ripped off a 9–0 run to reclaim the lead.
Mittie says the biggest change with this team late in games is belief.
“I think execution’s better… but the belief in the huddle that we can get it done is better than it was.”
That belief has been evident throughout the tournament.
Just one day earlier, Kansas State ended its win over Texas Tech by scoring the final 21 points of the game.
This team simply refuses to quit.
The Wild Final 30 Seconds
If you missed the final sequence, it’s worth watching again.
The final half-minute was absolute chaos.
Sequence of events:
• Speiser hits clutch three – K-State leads 73–68
• Oklahoma State makes two free throws
• A jump ball gives OSU possession
• Haleigh Timmer drains a three with 4.5 seconds left to tie the game
• Kansas State quickly inbounds the ball
• Tess Heal is fouled near midcourt
Heal calmly stepped to the line and hit the go-ahead free throw.
She intentionally missed the second to burn the clock.
Game over.
Controversy at the End
The final foul call sparked some controversy after the game.
Oklahoma State head coach Jacie Hoyt criticized the decision to call the foul in that situation.
But the reality is simple.
You can’t put the game in the officials’ hands.
With only seconds remaining, reaching in and risking a foul gives the refs the opportunity to make that call.
There were also earlier calls that went the other direction, including a jump ball ruling on Taryn Sides that could have easily been called a foul.
In tournament basketball, chaos is part of the deal.
Kansas State simply executed when it mattered most.
Key Performances for Kansas State
While Speiser stole the spotlight, several Wildcats delivered huge performances.
Nastja Claessens
15 points
5 rebounds
5 assists
37 minutes played
Claessens emphasized the team’s belief after the game.
“We really believe in ourselves… we came back yesterday down 14. Today we were like, we’re going to do this.”
Aniya Foy
11 points off the bench
Taryn Sides
10 points while playing the entire game
Gina Garcia
9 assists running the offense
The Wildcats played only a seven-player rotation, making the win even more impressive.
Surviving the Tournament Grind
Kansas State has now played three games in three days.
And the Wildcats aren’t done yet.
When asked what recovery looks like before the semifinal, the players gave a very honest answer.
“A long ice bath.”
Despite the heavy workload, Kansas State has looked energized and confident throughout the tournament.
Mittie believes the routine helps.
“Their bodies are tired… but they’re young. Our preparation will be the same.”
The Cinderella Run Continues
Kansas State entered the tournament 18–16 and needing a miracle run to keep its postseason hopes alive.
Now the Wildcats are suddenly the biggest story in Kansas City.
They’ve now defeated:
• No. 21 Texas Tech
• No. 4 seed Oklahoma State
And they’ve done it with comeback wins and clutch performances.
Next up?
A semifinal showdown with No. 10 TCU.
Kansas State lost to the Horned Frogs earlier this season, but that game came months ago and this Wildcats team looks completely different.
Two more wins would deliver something unbelievable:
An automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
