K-State Duo Leads Wildcats to Victory Over Baylor

P.J. Haggerty and Nate Johnson combine for 67 points in 90-74 win

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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P.J. Haggerty scored 34 points and Nate Johnson added a career-high 33 as Kansas State defeated Baylor 90-74 on Tuesday in Manhattan, Kansas. The Wildcats snapped a six-game losing streak and earned their first win since January 20th against Utah. Kansas State led from start to finish, shooting 56.7% from the field and 47.1% from 3-point range.

Why it matters

This was an important win for Kansas State, who were playing their first game under interim coach Matthew Driscoll after the firing of Jerome Tang. The Wildcats had been struggling, but this dominant performance against a Big 12 opponent could provide a much-needed boost as they look to turn their season around.

The details

Haggerty and Johnson combined for 67 of Kansas State's 90 points. Johnson also contributed 9 assists, 5 rebounds and a career-high 6 steals. The Wildcats built a 13-point lead in the first half and maintained control throughout, withstanding a late Baylor rally. Kansas State shot the ball extremely well, connecting on 56.7% of their field goals and 47.1% from 3-point range.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 in Manhattan, Kansas.
  • This was Kansas State's first game since firing head coach Jerome Tang on Sunday.

The players

P.J. Haggerty

A Kansas State player who scored 34 points in the win over Baylor.

Nate Johnson

A Kansas State player who scored a career-high 33 points and added 9 assists, 5 rebounds and 6 steals.

Matthew Driscoll

The interim head coach for Kansas State after the firing of Jerome Tang.

Isaac Williams IV

A Baylor player who led the Bears with 16 points in the loss.

Tounde Yessoufou

A Baylor player who scored 14 points in the defeat.

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What they’re saying

“This was our most complete game of the season. The guys really stepped up and played hard for 40 minutes.”

— Matthew Driscoll, Interim Head Coach, Kansas State (statenews.net)

What’s next

Kansas State will look to build on this momentum as they continue Big 12 play, while Baylor will try to end their four-game losing streak.

The takeaway

This was an impressive bounce-back performance for Kansas State, who showed they can compete with top Big 12 teams even after a coaching change. The Wildcats' hot shooting and balanced scoring attack proved too much for Baylor to handle on this night.