Rapid Recap: Kansas State must rebound better
We have seen Jerome Tang after big wins and a few crushing losses in his three seasons at Kansas State. Only one other game really compares to what we saw Thursday night after the 76-65 loss to LSU in Bramlage Coliseum.
The loss at Oklahoma his first year in Manhattan is the only one that comes to mind that that compares to Thursday and his reaction afterwards. The frustration was very clear and evident, and Tang even admitted he was very pissed off after the game.
It bothers him to lose at home and especially in that fashion. Nebraska last season could be another example of that. But reading in between the lines, there are a handful of other items that contributed to his postgame mood.
Rebounding woesFor as good as the rebounding was versus New Orleans, it has dipped steadily ever since. It was brutal against both Cleveland State and LSU. The Tigers crushed Kansas State on the glass 43-25 and had an almost 40 percent offensive rebounding rate for the game.
The leading rebounder for K-State, David N'Guessan , had just five rebounds whereas LSU had three players with at least seven rebounds. One of those was Corey Chest who posted a game high 13.
Tang says the rebounding falls on his shoulders. He pointed out the national championship team at Baylor was ranked in the 270s nationally in rebounding, but they were able to make up for it with elite offense and not turning the ball over.
However, Kansas State can't get pounded on the glass, and it is an area that needs to be improved. Tang was also quick to point out that it is fixable.
Dug's first start at Kansas StateAfter not starting the first two games and the exhibition, Dug McDaniel started Thursday night. The transfer guard was one of the bright spots for K-State by scoring a team high 16 points and shot 46 percent from the field.
Tang was pleased with how his point guard played Thursday and not just offensively. The Kansas State coach praised his defense and said McDaniel is still learning how to guard how the Wildcats want to guard and cares about his defense.
