12th seed Kansas State extends Cinderella run in Big 12 tournament

Wildcats rally late to upset No. 4 seed Oklahoma State and advance to semifinals

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The 12th-seeded Kansas State Wildcats continued their Cinderella run in the Big 12 women's basketball tournament, rallying late to defeat fourth-seeded Oklahoma State 74-73 in the quarterfinals. Jordan Speiser scored a career-high 21 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead the Wildcats, who became the lowest seed in tournament history to reach the semifinals. Kansas State will face top-seeded TCU on Saturday.

Why it matters

Kansas State's improbable tournament run has captivated fans, as the Wildcats have knocked off higher-seeded opponents to advance deeper than expected. Their success highlights the unpredictable nature of March Madness and the potential for any team to make a Cinderella story, regardless of their regular season performance.

The details

Tess Heal split two free throws with 1.3 seconds left to give Kansas State the victory. The Wildcats used a late 9-0 run to erase a late deficit and set up the dramatic finish. Oklahoma State's Haleigh Timmer hit a 3-pointer with 4.5 seconds left to tie the game, but teammate Stailee Heard then fouled Heal in the backcourt, allowing Heal to hit the game-winning free throw.

  • Kansas State became the lowest seed in Big 12 tournament history to reach the semifinals.
  • The Wildcats will face top-seeded TCU on Saturday.

The players

Jordan Speiser

A Kansas State player who scored a career-high 21 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead the Wildcats to victory.

Tess Heal

The Kansas State player who split two free throws with 1.3 seconds left to give the Wildcats the win.

Haleigh Timmer

An Oklahoma State player who hit a 3-pointer with 4.5 seconds left to tie the game.

Stailee Heard

An Oklahoma State player who fouled Tess Heal in the backcourt, allowing Heal to hit the game-winning free throw.

Marta Suarez

A TCU player who had 17 points, eight rebounds and three steals in the Horned Frogs' win over BYU.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.