Kansas State Upsets Baylor in First Game After Tang Firing

Wildcats snap six-game losing streak with 90-74 victory over Bears

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In their first game since firing head coach Jerome Tang, the Kansas State Wildcats defeated the Baylor Bears 90-74. Led by a combined 67 points from guards Nate Johnson and P.J. Haggerty, the Wildcats played with energy and physicality, racing out to a 13-point halftime lead and never looking back. The win snapped a six-game losing streak for Kansas State, which had recently suffered a string of blowout losses at home.

Why it matters

The victory represents a fresh start for the Wildcats program after the controversial firing of longtime coach Jerome Tang. Tang had publicly criticized his players following a recent blowout loss, leading to his dismissal. The team's strong performance under interim coach Matthew Driscoll suggests the players have rallied around the change in leadership.

The details

Kansas State jumped out to a 13-6 lead early, powered by nine points from Nate Johnson. The Wildcats extended their lead to 13 points in the first half and took a 41-34 advantage into the break. In the second half, Kansas State's defense continued to pressure Baylor, leading to a 21-point Wildcats lead at one point. The Bears made a late run to cut the deficit to 9, but Kansas State responded with a 7-0 run to seal the victory. The Wildcats shot 57% from the field and forced 19 Baylor turnovers, scoring 23 points off those takeaways.

  • On Feb. 11, Kansas State suffered a 91-62 loss to Cincinnati, leading to Jerome Tang's critical comments about his players.
  • On Feb. 12, Kansas State fired head coach Jerome Tang for cause.
  • On Feb. 14, Kansas State defeated Baylor 90-74 in their first game since Tang's firing.

The players

Nate Johnson

A Kansas State guard who scored 33 points in the win over Baylor.

P.J. Haggerty

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

Matthew Driscoll

The interim head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats, taking over after the firing of Jerome Tang.

Jerome Tang

The former head coach of the Kansas State Wildcats, who was fired on Feb. 12 after publicly criticizing his players.

Gene Taylor

The athletic director of Kansas State University, who announced the firing of Jerome Tang.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Recent public comments and conduct, in addition to the program's overall direction, have not aligned with K-State's standards for supporting student-athletes and representing the university.”

— Gene Taylor, Athletic Director, Kansas State University (ESPN)

“I strongly disagreed with the characterization of my termination.”

— Jerome Tang (ESPN)

What’s next

The Kansas State athletic department will conduct a search for a permanent head coach to replace the fired Jerome Tang.

The takeaway

The Wildcats' decisive victory over Baylor in their first game after the Tang firing suggests the players have rallied around the change in leadership and are ready to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose under interim coach Matthew Driscoll.