The Kansas State Wildcats made a powerful statement in their first outing following the firing of head coach Jerome Tang, defeating the Baylor Bears 90–74 on Tuesday night.
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Just days earlier, frustration among the fan base had reached a boiling point. During a heavy home loss at Bramlage Coliseum, students wore paper bags over their heads and booed the team a scene that foreshadowed Tang’s dismissal on Sunday after a six-game skid.
But Tuesday brought a noticeably different atmosphere. Supporters tore up those same paper bags before tipoff, signaling optimism for a fresh start.
With interim head coach Matthew Driscoll leading from the sidelines, Kansas State delivered one of its most complete performances of the season. Guards Nate Johnson and P.J. Haggerty combined for 67 points, fueling only the Wildcats’ second Big 12 victory this year and snapping their six-game losing streak.
Kansas State came out aggressive, jumping to a 13–6 lead behind nine quick points from Johnson. The Wildcats pushed their advantage to 13 points in the first half and entered halftime up 41–34.
Their intensity continued after the break. A relentless defensive effort pressured Baylor into mistakes, allowing Kansas State to build its largest Big 12 lead of the season at 21 points.
Baylor attempted to rally, using a 13–2 run to trim the deficit to nine with just over eight minutes left. However, Haggerty answered with a tough jumper, Johnson followed with a steal, and Haggerty added a layup to halt the comeback attempt.
The Wildcats shot an impressive 57% from the field, forced 19 turnovers, and turned those into 23 points. When the final buzzer sounded, the 6,789 fans in attendance gave the team a standing ovation a stark contrast to the jeers heard less than a week earlier.
Why Was Jerome Tang Fired?
Tang’s dismissal came after mounting struggles, including three consecutive home losses by 20 or more points and a six-game losing streak. Following a 91–62 defeat to Cincinnati Bearcats on Feb. 11, Tang publicly criticized his players, calling the performance “embarrassing” and suggesting some did not deserve to wear the uniform.
Athletic director Gene Taylor said Tang’s remarks and overall conduct did not meet the university’s standards.
According to Taylor, contractual language allowed the school to terminate Tang for cause if his actions brought potential embarrassment to the program. As a result, Kansas State’s decision could void the $18.675 million buyout outlined in Tang’s contract. Tang later told ESPN he strongly disputed how his termination was characterized.
The Wildcats’ emphatic win over Baylor now marks what appears to be the beginning of a new chapter for the program.
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