Markquis Nowell reacts to Kansas State advancing to Elite Eight, breaking single-game assist record
Markquis Nowell had the game of his life to aid Kansas State to the Elite Eight with a 98-93 overtime victory over Michigan State.
Nowell even broke the NCAA single game assist record for a tournament game since the stat became official in 1984. He finished with 19 assists which broke the previous record set by UNLV’s Mark Wade, who had 18 assists in the 1987 National Semifinals, according to ESPN Stats and Info.
Nowell and head coach Jerome Tang got to celebrate after an epic performance on the floor and get Kansas State within three games of a national title.
“Man, I just want to start by saying all glory to God man,” Nowell said on the TBS broadcast. “He gave me these gifts and talents. And I’m just glad I get the platform to showcase them. Well, I have a ton of faith. These guys work so hard. My coaching staff worked so hard, and we just love each other. I can’t say this enough.”
In total, Nowell had 20 points, three rebounds and 19 assists in the game. Keyontae Johnson led the way with 22 points, six rebounds and one assist, but Nowell was the star of the evening.
Oh man, we got a ton of faith in each other,” Tang said. “They have faith in me. I got faith in every one of these guys right here. They probably did more coaching than that then. I’m just gonna love them man and when you love people it’s amazing what you can accomplish.”
The entire Kansas State squad is full of transfers, a credit to Tang who coached up Nowell and others.
“Not one guy who played for K-State tonight started school there,” The Athletic’s CJ Moore wrote on Twitter. “I don’t think any team of all transfers has ever made an Elite Eight. Even in this transfer era, will we ever see a team built like this go this far again?”
The trust was so great, Tang and Nowell actually faked an argument during the play that set up an alley oop to put the Wildcats in front late.
“(We’re in that) place of fire and we practice in a place of fire all the time,” Tang said. “He was ready for it. This bad boy right here.”
Tang alluded to Nowell, who said he needed a big ice bath after the game. As long as he rests up, Kansas State has a great chance to get to the Final Four.