Markquis Nowell breaks NCAA assists record: All you need to know
Kansas State point guard Markquis Nowell created NCAA Tournament history after leading his team to a 98-93 OT win over Michigan State in Sweet 16 on Thursday. Nowell was the best player on the court after he bagged 20 points and 19 assists.
His assist total was an NCAA Tournament record. It was previously held by former UNLV prospect Mark Wade, who recorded 18 assists in the 1987 Final Four stage of the tournament.
Nowell's performance was decisive as both teams put on an offensive clinic. Michigan shot 49.2%, including 13-of-25 from 3-point range and 18-of-22 from the foul line. Kansas needed an inspiring performance from one of its players, and Nowell took up that responsibility. His 19 assists were crucial in helping Kansas connect on 55.9% of its attempts from the field.
He generated solid looks for his teammates. Kansas State had six players scoring in double-digits. Except for Markquis Nowell, everyone shot well above 50% from the field. Nowell had 20 points on 7-of-18 shooting. The rest of his teammates went a combined 31-of-50.
Markquis Nowell really faked an argument with coach & threw a lob with the game on the line 😭🔥 https://t.co/PB7hi1OizM
Markquis Nowell played every minute of the first half, during which he tallied five points and 10 assists and played all but three minutes in the second half and overtime combined. Nowell also had a solid game defensively as he registered five steals.
No. 3 Kansas successfully avoided an upset against No. 7 Michigan State, who ensured its opponents didn't stretch the lead at any point. The game saw 14 ties and 16 lead changes.
Markquis Nowell in Kansas St. W:
🟣 20 PTS
🟣 19 AST (most in March Madness history)
🟣 5 STL
WHAT A PERFORMANCE 👏
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Markquis Nowell leads Kansas State to Elite Eight for the first time since 2018
Kansas State continued its remarkable run this season after bagging its first appearance in the Elite Eight stage of the NCAA Tournament for the first time after 2018. They finished with the second-worst record twice and the worst record once over the past three years.
Kansas State didn't come into the season with great expectations due to its record over the past few years. Moreover, the Big 12 conference was as tough as it could get this season, leaving no margin for error for the team.
However, the team battled the odds to finish with the third-best record (11-7) in the Big 12 conference. Markquis Nowell has been instrumental in the team's resurgence in his second season with Kansas State. He has averaged 17.8 points, 7.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game.
It was only fitting for Nowell to lead them to the Eltie Eight with a record-breaking performance after the kind of season he had entering March Madness.
Also read: What is the NCAA assists record? Player, team, and more