MANHATTAN, Kan. — Nijel Pack ran down a long in-bounds pass, then found open space at the top of the key to launch a game-winning 3-pointer with 2.2 seconds left to give Kansas State a hard-fought 71-68 win over Oklahoma State.
"Obviously, we've been through a lot," Wildcats coach Bruce Weber said. "We've lost some heartbreakers and we got one back tonight."
The game was tied four times in the final 6:46 after Mark Smith pulled Kansas State even at 62-62 with a three-point play.
Smith, a transfer from Missouri, tied the game again at 64-64 with a pair of free throws and at 66-66 on a jumper with 2:14 left.
Bryce Thompson drew a foul while the Cowboys worked for a go-ahead field goal with 0:38 left, but missed the first free throw and Smith grabbed the rebound.
Markquis Nowell’s 3-point attempt rimmed in and out with 0:12 left, but Pack tied up the rebound and Kansas State retained possession.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for K-State (11-10, 3-6 Big 12) led by Pack's 22 points and Smith's 21 points and nine rebounds.
Pack and Smith are the first pair of Wildcats teammates to score 20-plus in the same game since Barry Brown Jr. (25) and Dean Wade (20) at Oklahoma on Jan. 16, 2019.
Thompson led the Cowboys with 22.
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KSHB 41 News Digital In-Depth Reporter Tod Palmer contributed to this report.
