yoka Lee made a strong comeback, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to help fifth-seeded Kansas State cruise past Fairfield 85-41 in the first round of the NCAA women’s tournament on Friday
Lee, who had been dealing with foot injuries, was highly efficient, making seven of 10 shots from the field in her first extended action since Feb. 22. She played 15 minutes before exiting late in the third quarter but said she felt good and could have played longer if needed.
“I don’t think there were any stretches where I came out and I was just, like, dying,” Lee said.
Kansas State (27-7) will now face host Kentucky in the second round on Sunday.
Fairfield (28-5), the No. 12 seed, struggled offensively, shooting a season-low 29.4% from the field. Katey L’Amoreaux led the Stags with 11 points.
While Lee’s return was a major storyline, Fairfield coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis emphasized Kansas State’s overall strength.
“They played a lot of their season without their All-American post, and we had the honor of playing against her today,” Thibault-DuDonis said. “She’s a great player, but they’re a great team, with and without her on the floor. I think that’s a team that’s capable of making a run.”
Kansas State set the tone early with a 17-4 run and extended its lead with an 11-2 surge in the second half.
Serena Sundell led the Wildcats with 18 points and nine assists, while Taryn Sides contributed 14 points.
Kansas State coach Jeff Mittie noted that Fairfield’s fast-paced style posed a challenge for Lee in her return.
“For our group, I thought the start was critical,” Mittie said. “Her being out there, communication-wise, was good to see in preparation for another game on Sunday.”
Key Takeaways
- Fairfield: The Stags boasted one of the nation’s top defenses but struggled against Kansas State’s size.
- Kansas State: Lee’s return reassures the Wildcats, but a tougher test awaits in the next round.
By the Numbers
Kansas State capitalized on its size advantage, outrebounding Fairfield 44-19 and dominating the paint with a 44-20 scoring edge.