As a result, the Wildcats outscored Cincinnati 20-12 in the paint after the break without hitting a single 3-pointer. An 8-0 run gave them their first lead on a Coleman Hawkins basket with 10:52 left, and after the Bearcats briefly went in front again by one, CJ Jones triggered an 8-2 spurt that put K-State in front for good.

When people refer to a college basketball game as a “rock fight” they are usually talking about the type of contest that Kansas State won against Cincinnati on Wednesday at Fifth Third Arena. The Wildcats beat the host Bearcats 54-49 in a midweek Big 12 matchup that was not aesthetically pleasing for either side.

Kansas State basketball won for the first time all season after trailing at halftime, knocking off Cincinnati on the road.