K-State Shows Fight but Falls to Missouri in Exhibition
Kansas State lost 71-67 to Missouri in Casey Alexander's first exhibition game as coach. The Wildcats opened with a 9-0 run and led at halftime, but shot 9-of-34 from three-point range and committed 16 turnovers. They trimmed a 14-point second-half deficit to two late in the game.
Casey Alexander’s first exhibition at Kansas State ended in a 71-67 loss to Missouri. The Wildcats started with a 9-0 run and held a 32-27 halftime lead, then fell behind by 14 in the second half before closing to within two late.
K-State made 9 of 34 three-point tries (26.5%) and turned the ball over 16 times. The roster is almost entirely new, and Missouri’s aggressive defense under Dennis Gates challenged the Wildcats as they learn Alexander’s system.
The exhibition result may shape early expectations among K-State fans and students, potentially affecting attendance and local game-day spending if optimism grows. For players adapting to a new coach and system, the close loss could build confidence or highlight areas needing work. Because exhibitions do not count in the record, the broader societal impact is likely limited, though community mood around campus sports could shift modestly.