Kansas State uses big first quarter to defeat Portland 78-65 in women’s NCAA Tournament first round
Kansas State guard Gabby Gregory celebrates after making a basket during the second half of a first-round college basketball game against Portland in the women's NCAA Tournament in Manhattan, Kan., Friday, March 22, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State won 78-65. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
By DAVID SMALE Associated Press
MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Gabby Gregory had 22 points and Ayoka Lee scored 21 to lead Kansas State to a 78-65 win over Portland in the first round of the women’s NCAA Tournament on Friday.
The fourth-seeded Wildcats built a big first-half lead and then kept the No. 13 seed Pilots at an arm’s reach the rest of the game. They led 40-28 at halftime and 25-10 after one quarter.
K-State will face the winner of the Colorado vs. Drake game on Sunday in the second round.
Serena Sundell added 16 points for Kansas State (26-7).
Portland (21-13) was led by Maisie Burnham, who had 17 of her 21 points in the second half. The Pilots also got 12 points from Kianna Hamilton-Fisher.
The game became chippy in the second half as there were 10 fouls called before the midway point of the third quarter. There were 15 total fouls called in the third quarter.
Lee, who finished with nine rebounds, had 11 points in the third quarter as the Wildcats maintained their 12-point lead.
K-State shot 26 of 51 from the field, including 7 of 16 on 3-pointers. The Wildcats, however, only made 65.5% of their free throws.
Portland shot 44% for the game.
