Kansas State point guard Markquis Nowell produced a game for the ages in Thursday’s Sweet 16 game against Michigan State.
Playing at Madison Square Garden, the New York-born Nowell had one of the greatest games in NCAA Tournament history, leading the Wildcats to a 98-93 win over the Spartans.
Nowell finished the game with 20 points and 19 assists. The 19 dimes broke an NCAA Tournament record, which was set by UNLV guard Mark Wade in his team’s semifinal loss to Indiana in 1987.
ISMAEL MASSOUD WITH THE HUGE SHOT AND MARKQUIS NOWELL SETS THE NCAA TOURNAMENT RECORD WITH 19 ASSISTS! #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/hyLTHoZRJL
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 24, 2023
And Nowell didn’t simply rack up a lot of assists. The passes to set his teammates up were nothing short of dazzling.
What a pass by Kansas State's Markquis Nowell!
He already has SEVEN assists in the first half. #MarchMadness #Sweet16 🏀🔥 pic.twitter.com/GxVc1YeKft
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 23, 2023
The seventh assist from Markquis Nowell was another DIME. 🏀🔥 #MarchMadness #Sweet16 pic.twitter.com/WI3G1p46qQ
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 23, 2023
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
And as great as Nowell’s passes were, the highlight of the game was a shot of his. With the shot clock expiring, Nowell chased down a loose ball. Quickly after gaining possession, he put up an off-balance three-pointer. It hit off of the glass and went in.
MARKQUIS NOWELL IS *FUN*! 🏀🪄 #MarchMadness #Sweet16 pic.twitter.com/y45hGA3nbP
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 24, 2023
Fittingly, the game ended with Noel coming up with a steal, chasing the ball down and making a layup as time expired.
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
What made Nowell’s performance so epic is that he played much of the second half and overtime hurt, running with a clear limp. When Nowell was out of the game, immediately after he injured his ankle, Michigan State took over. When Nowell returned, even in his hobbled state, Kansas State instantly began running its offense more effectively.
Nowell gets hurt and MSU goes on a run to retake and stretch a lead..
Nowell with one ankle comes back in and it’s a 7-3 KSU run…
KSU’s offense looked lost without him for those 1-2 minutes
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) March 24, 2023
Playing through pain was fitting, given that both Isiah Thomas and Kirk Gibson, who both famously played through pain in the 1988 NBA Finals and World Series respectively, were on hand.
Kansas State's Markquis Nowell is playing through injury, trying to will the Wildcats to a win. Fittingly, Isiah Thomas and Kirk Gibson are both in the house. pic.twitter.com/XgiqmnFPjy
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 24, 2023
The Isiah Thomas connection was particularly relevant given that, like Thomas, Nowell was a guard trying to lead his team to a victory with a severe injury.
His otherwordly performance was noted by college basketball fans everywhere, with several noting the parallels with Thomas.
Nowell trying to be Isiah Thomas in the ‘88 Finals here.
— Matt Smith (@MattSmithCFB) March 24, 2023
In 44 years @espn tonight was the BEST passing exhibition I have ever seen by 5’7 MARQUIS NOWELL of @KStateMBB (19assists)a @MarchMadnessMBB record . Also scored 20 points to beat @MSU_Basketball in a MARCH MADNESS CLASSIC 98-93 in ot .
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 24, 2023
Marquis Nowell giving Isiah Thomas 25 points in a quarter on a bum ankle vibes pic.twitter.com/9KXxUHD3c6
— Kube🧊 (@Magic_Max98) March 24, 2023
Markquis Nowell: 20 points. 19 assists. The most assists ever in an NCAA tournament game. Epic. pic.twitter.com/ypfEsIk88Y
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 24, 2023
Is Markquis Nowell the greatest player ever??? He’s pulling off some combo of Willis Reed and Isiah Thomas all rolled into one. #MarchMadness #Spartans #Wildcats
— Anthony Herron (@BigAntHerron) March 24, 2023
The biggest game of his life.
In his hometown.
On one good ankle.
In front of the Madison Square Garden crowd.Markquis Nowell had 20 points, set the record for most assists in a single game in NCAA Tournament history, and the steal to seal the game.
Legendary. pic.twitter.com/7sSHPRrfzt
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 24, 2023
“You’re No. 1 trending in the WORLD right now.”
“That’s the best game I’ve ever had.” pic.twitter.com/DpzVevHNZW
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 24, 2023
