Ayoka Lee shines as Kansas State defeats Fairfield in NCAA tournament
- Kansas State won the NCAA Tournament opening round against Fairfield with a final score of 85-41.
- Ayoka Lee, returning from injury, scored 17 points and collected 10 rebounds during the game.
- The victory sets Kansas State up for a challenging second-round matchup against Kentucky.
On March 21, 2025, in Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky, the fifth-seeded Kansas State Wildcats faced the Fairfield Stags in the opening round of the NCAA women's tournament. This highly anticipated matchup marked the first encounter between the two teams this season. Ayoka Lee, who had been sidelined with foot injuries, made a strong return to the lineup, contributing significantly to Kansas State's commanding 85-41 victory. Lee's performance, including 17 points and 10 rebounds, helped the Wildcats overcome the Stags, who entered the tournament with an impressive 28-4 record and the MAAC championship title. Kansas State showcased their offensive prowess by consistently attacking the basket and capitalizing on their size advantage. The Wildcats dominated the glass, out-rebounding Fairfield 44-19 and scoring 44 points in the paint. Serena Sundell also played a vital role in the team’s success with 18 points and 9 assists. Kansas State's coach Jeff Mittie noted that the fast-paced play style of Fairfield posed challenges for the Wildcats, particularly in terms of communication on the court. Nonetheless, Kansas State's strong start set the tone for the game, allowing them to build a comfortable lead early on. The Stags, despite their formidable scoring defense that ranked among the best in the country, struggled to contain the Wildcats. Fairfield's leading scorer, Meghan Andersen, was unable to match the offensive rhythm and output of Kansas State. Additionally, while they had an excellent record in the MAAC, Fairfield could not disrupt Kansas State's offensive flow. The Wildcats managed to keep their opponents at bay, leading by significant margins throughout the game. Moving forward, Kansas State is set to face off against the host Kentucky in the second round of the tournament. The strong performance against Fairfield alleviated concerns about Lee's health, as she demonstrated that she could contribute effectively to the team. Coach Mittie expressed optimism about the potential of his squad, suggesting that they have the capability to continue making progress in the tournament. As both teams leave the court, the outcome serves as a compelling reminder of the unpredictable nature of NCAA tournament play, with significant implications for Kansas State's ambitions in the championship.