With Will Spradling scoring a career-high 19 points and Angel Rodriguez exploding in the second half for 13, Jamar Samuels was somewhat overshadowed during a 64-53 win over Texas A&M on Saturday.
But he did enough for his coach to praise him when the game was over.
“Jamar has been awesome,” K-State coach Frank Martin said. “He’s been awesome. What he has brought to our team during his senior year … You know, the other day against Iowa State he was sicker than a dog and he still tried. He’s been great. Absolutely great. I’m extremely proud of him. He does all the dirty work for us around the rim.”
On Saturday, he scored eight points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out two assists. He also had a very nice play in the second half where he drew a charge against Ray Turner when Texas A&M desperately needed to score and stop a potential K-State run.
Thanks to Samuels, the Wildcats got the ball back and scored eight straight points to go ahead 57-40. Game over.
“That’s what your senior is supposed to do,” Martin said.
Player of the game
Will Spradling. It’s safe to say the sophomore guard is out of his slump. He scored 19 points and hit a couple big threes.
Play of the game
Angel Rodriguez rebounded his own miss and made a contested layup to give K-State a nine-point lead in the second half. There was something about the energy he brought to that play that shifted all the momentum K-State’s way. Within the next few minutes, the Wildcats led by 17.
Statistically speaking
Spradling was four of five from three-point range. The one miss he had rattled in and out. His confidence is back.
Do it again!
K-State brought back the tunnel dance before the game started and went on to win. The fans love it. Martavious Irving loves it. Why not keep doing it?
How about a do-over?
Rodney McGruder scored just five points while battling a toe injury. Once he gets healthy, his play should improve. He looked pretty banged up yesterday. Assistant coach Brad Underwood watched him like a hawk as he warmed up before the second half as McGruder tried to prove he was fit to play. He was. But not fit enough to play the way he normally does.
Quote to note
“We still made some mistakes, but it was better,” — Frank Martin.