Game 20 Big12 — #3 Kansas State @ Texas A&M
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In an epic Big 12 matchup, Kansas State packed up their luggers and sailed "down under" to play at Texas A&M. The first half saw the Wildcats take an early lead with smothering defense, preventing the Aggies from getting above the bare minimum on their possessions. K State looked poised to run away with the game by securing a bonus territory, but a perfectly-executed back door play by A&M in round 7 broke the bonus and brought the Aggies roaring back, giving them the momentum for what was certain to be a wild finish. The Wildcats seemed doomed to fall victim once again to the "Top 5 Curse" after being moved up to #3 in the latest polls, but Coach Lincecum decided to go with an impact substitution off of his bench to begin round 8 to give his worn-out starters a breather. The lineup change paid off, as a miracle shot went in to even up the score (according to official scorekeeper BOB) at the buzzer - we're going to Overtime!
With virtually all starters fouling out, neither team could maintain much momentum in OT as round after round ended again in a stalemate. Just when things would look up for one side, their luck would swing drastically the other way (as evidenced by K State's horrendous airball on a 6 vs. 1 fast break in round 15, coming away with absolutely nothing on that possession, followed by A&M's similar airball in round 18). By this point, the teams were beginning to wear each other out with moves at breakneck speed. Finally, after the Aggies' round 18 airball, the Wildcats were able to put some points on the board and got a big stop on the other end of the floor to secure the bonus. Despite one final last ditch effort by Texas A&M, Kansas State was able to win by the skin of their teeth in a 23-round marathon.
K-State Coach Lincecum was visibly exhausted at the post-game presser: "Holy shit! That's certainly one for the ages - I encourage anyone who didn't catch it live to go watch the highlights tonight. It's games like these that end up building character for both teams. We were lucky to be the team who came out on top at the end - those kids at A&M have nothing to be ashamed of, they gave it their all. And I don't care what Coach Denominator's record is - he is a superb coach

, and I know he'll be making a run in the upcoming conference tournament - I just hope it isn't against us!" Asked if he had any words for the ranking committee, Lincecum gave a terse "no comment - except for the fact that I fart in your general direction for trying to curse us again."