Haggerty Shines as Kansas State Dominates Newman 112–90 in Final Exhibition Game

A K-State men's basketball puts his hands up in front of a Newman defendor. Courtesy: Sam Lowther

A K-State men's basketball player lays the ball into the hoop. Courtesy: Sam Lowther

Jerome Tang talks to the men's basketball team in a huddle. Courtesy: Sam Lowther

A close up of P.J. Haggerty in the huddle. Courtesy: Sam Lowther

P.J. Haggerty dribbles the ball against a Newman defender. Courtesy: Sam Lowther

Jerome Tang is interviewed by Hannah Whetstone on the sideline. Courtesy: Sam Lowther

With the men’s basketball season nearly underway, Kansas State wrapped up its exhibition slate with a 112–90 win over Newman University on Friday night at Bramlage Coliseum.

The Wildcats bounced back after a nine-point loss to Missouri earlier in the week, showing their

Division I dominance over the Division II Jets despite an early scare. Newman jumped to a nine-point lead behind hot perimeter shooting, connecting on 50% of its attempts from beyond the arc in the first half. Kansas State eventually found its rhythm, taking a 59–50 lead into halftime.

The second half mirrored the first, as Newman continued to rely heavily on three-pointers. While

the Jets’ long-range shooting provided moments of concern, Kansas State’s inside defense and offensive firepower ultimately proved too much. The Wildcats maintained control down the stretch, securing a comfortable 22-point win.

PJ Haggerty’s standout performance

Transfer guard PJ Haggerty set the tone offensively with a 27-point double-double in his

Bramlage debut. The Memphis transfer displayed an all-around scoring ability reminiscent of

former Wildcat standout Markquis Nowell. Haggerty’s strength in attacking the paint and

midrange game allowed him to post 17 first-half points despite attempting only one

three-pointer.

If early signs hold, Haggerty could once again average 20 or more points per game this season,

serving as the focal point of Kansas State’s offense.

Defensive improvements on display

Under head coach Jerome Tang, Kansas State has been known for offensive firepower more

than defensive consistency. However, this year’s squad showed renewed energy and

communication on the defensive end. Forward Abdi Bashir stood out as the defensive anchor,

switching between multiple positions and providing key help defense in the paint.

At 6-foot-7, Bashir’s presence and effort set the tone for a team eager to prove it can win with

defense as much as offense.

Supporting cast finds rhythm

Bashir also contributed offensively, showcasing accuracy from behind the arc. Forward Mobi

Ikegwuruka provided consistent scoring inside, cleaning up missed shots for easy layups.

Center Khamari McGrif established himself as a physical force in the paint, while guard David

Castillo added double-digit scoring for the first time since Kansas State’s blowout win over

Arkansas-Pine Bluff, finishing with 17 points.

Though unofficial, the offensive balance across the roster suggests the Wildcats have multiple

scoring options capable of contributing in Big 12 play.

What’s next

Kansas State finishes exhibition play at 1–1 and now turns its attention to the regular season

opener against UNC Greensboro on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Fans can follow coverage on the Wildcat

91.9 app, website, or on-air broadcast. Pregame coverage begins 30 minutes before tipoff.