The Kansas State Wildcats and Michigan State Spartans played a game for the ages Thursday.
The Wildcats won a wildly entertaining game in overtime, 98-93, to advance to the Elite Eight. Yet while the game will be remembered mainly for the play of one man, Wildcats senior guard Markquis Nowell, many players on both sides had a part in making this a classic.
Both teams shot lights-out all night, with KSU hitting 55.9% from the floor and 45.8% from 3-point range, and Michigan State shooting 49.8% and 52% from long range.
But in the end, Nowell was too much for the Spartans. He dished out an NCAA Tournament record 19 assists and added 20 points to fuel Kansas State’s win.
Michigan State’s Tyson Walker’s driving layup in the closing seconds of regulation forced overtime.
MICHIGAN STATE'S TYSON WALKER SENDS THIS SWEET 16 THRILLER TO OVERTIME! #MarchMadness 🏀🔥 pic.twitter.com/hCbRvmzPWt
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 24, 2023
Both teams traded baskets in OT, but the Wildcats took the lead for good with 58 seconds remaining when Nowell found Keyontae Johnson on an alley-oop.
MARKQUIS NOWELL TIES THE NCAA TOURNAMENT RECORD FOR ASSISTS IN A GAME WITH 18!
"NONE BIGGER!" #MarchMadness🏀🔥🪄 pic.twitter.com/zMC8ZyFusn
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 24, 2023
Nowell broke the NCAA Tournament record for assists in a game seconds later when he found Ismael Massoud for a basket on an in-bounds play.
Not done yet, Nowell came up with a loose ball in the closing seconds and scored a layup at the buzzer for the final margin.
KANSAS STATE TO THE ELITE EIGHT!
MARKQUIS NOWELL FINISHES WITH 20 POINTS, AN NCAA TOURNAMENT RECORD 19 ASSISTS, AND 5 STEALS! #MarchMadness 🏀🔥 pic.twitter.com/GiMQcnU9Hz
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 24, 2023
College basketball fans were in awe of the game.
Kansas State-Michigan State has been the best game in the tournament so far.
This game deserved overtime. Let’s go.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 24, 2023
Michigan State-Kansas State is now the Game of the Tournament So Far.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 24, 2023
Kansas State / Michigan State game is probably the highest-quality game I’ve watched this CBB season.
— Gabe Brooks (@gabrieldbrooks) March 24, 2023
I got Nowell leading Kansas state to a national championship
— Wilt (@_ALindsey) March 24, 2023
Where were you when Kansas State defeated Michigan State in overtime at Madison Square Garden?
— Michael Welch (@mawaubergine) March 24, 2023
Markquis Nowell’s story is phenomenal.
Known throughout NYC basketball scene because of father and HS performance.
Under recruited due to size.
Goes to Arkansas Little Rock.
Transfers to Kansas State.
Wins biggest game of his life at MSG.
Mr. NYC indeed.
— Jack McGuire (@JackMacCFB) March 24, 2023
Not one guy who played for K-State tonight started school there. I don't think any team of all transfers has ever made an Elite Eight. Even in this transfer era, will we ever see a team built like this go this far again?
— CJ Moore (@CJMooreHoops) March 24, 2023
