Kansas State Wildcats Rally to Victory Over Baylor Following Coach Tang’s Firing

MANHATTAN — The Kansas State Wildcats secured a decisive 90-74 victory over the Baylor Bears on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Bramlage Coliseum, marking their first win in Big 12 competition and a turning point following the recent dismissal of head coach Jerome Tang.

Matthew Driscoll, now serving as interim coach, led the Wildcats to the win just two days after Tang’s firing. The victory snapped a six-game losing streak for Kansas State.

Tang’s Dismissal and the Team’s Response

Kansas State University fired Tang on Feb. 15 for cause, citing a viral press conference following a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati on Feb. 11, where Tang questioned the commitment of his players as reported by the Topeka Capital-Journal. Tang has retained legal counsel to contest the university’s characterization of his dismissal and pursue his $18.675 million buyout .

Despite the disruption, the Wildcats demonstrated resilience on the court. Players expressed a renewed sense of unity and determination.

“We became more together as a team,” said Nate Johnson, who scored 33 points in the game. “It just bonded us over that period of time, and it showed.”

Key Performances in the Victory

PJ Haggerty led the scoring with 34 points, although Nate Johnson contributed 33 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. This marked the first time since 2008 that two K-State players scored 30-plus points in a single game .

Driscoll’s Approach and Future Outlook

Interim coach Matthew Driscoll maintained a familiar presence for the team, choosing to sit during the game as he had throughout the season and actively engaging with players during warm-ups.

The Wildcats will continue their season with five remaining regular-season games and participation in the Big 12 Tournament, aiming to build on the momentum from their victory over Baylor. Players emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and honoring the values instilled by Coach Tang, including a focus on “crazy faith” .

Bramlage Coliseum is the home court for the Kansas State Wildcats . Tickets for the Baylor game on Feb. 17, 2026, were available through SeatGeek .