Kansas State Wildcats alumni team exits The Basketball Tournament after two games
Kansas State’s alumni team hoped an impressive victory in the first round of The Basketball Tournament would propel it to a deep run in the event, but it wasn’t to be.
Purple & Black lost in the second round of The Basketball Tournament after it bowed out with a 63-52 loss against Team Arkansas on Friday at Koch Arena.
The No. 2 seeded former Wildcats fought for a full four quarters, but they couldn’t keep up with the No. 3 seeded former Razorbacks. Team Arkansas enjoyed a comfortable lead in the first half and closed the door late once the target score was set for the Elam Ending.
Hunter Mickelson, who actually finished his college basketball career at Kansas, caused a lot of problems for Purple & Black by scoring 19 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.
Putting the ball through the net was difficult for both teams, but it was more of a challenge for the Wildcats.
Mike McGuirl led the former Wildcats with 16 points, but Purple & Black also got solid contributions from Justin Edwards, Thomas Gipson, Kamau Stokes and others.
The K-State alumni team, which was coached by Jordan Henriquez, has struggled to advance far in The Basketball Tournament since it began competing in the event. Purple & Black almost always wins in the opening round and then falls short in the Round of 32.
Team Arkansas will play the winner of AfterShocks and Beale Street Boys on Sunday in the Sweet 16 of The Basketball Tournament.