The Kansas State Wildcats (10-2) survived a furious rally by George Mason (6-7) to secure a 59-58 win in their last non-conference tuneup before league play begins against Texas January 2.
The end-of-game drama was unnecessary, and for K-State, it was mostly self-inflicted.
Bruce Weber’s team looked ready for league play in the last nine minutes of the second half, closing the period on a 20-2 run to open a 36-16 lead at the break. Defense on Otis Livingston, III was a key. The senior guard had scored 30 in George Mason’s previous game against Navy, and had scored at least 18 in 5 of their last six contests.