To players’ relief, no more road games for Wildcats

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Will Spradling picked up his first foul less than 5 minutes into the game, sending him to the bench for the rest of the half.

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Oklahoma State made 15 of 17 free throws.

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Shane Southwell lost back-to-back turnovers, allowing Oklahoma State to pull ahead by eight.

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K-State made 15 of 24 free throws.

Kansas State players were happy about at least one thing: Its road schedule is finished. The Wildcats went 2-7 in Big 12 away games, their only victories coming at TCU and Texas Tech, which have combined for five conference victories.

“We didn’t do well on the road at all,” Spradling said. “We have played neutral-site games and we did a lot better at those.”

• Oklahoma State star point guard Marcus Smart is only a sophomore, but he was honored during senior day ceremonies Monday. He passed on the NBA Draft to come back to school after a strong freshman year and has said he will turn pro after this season. He said the game was a special experience for him.

His teammates were happy for him. But they were happier about the win.

“I don’t want to say we’re a lock (for the NCAA Tournament),” said guard Phil Forte. “But there is some weight lifted off our shoulders.”

• Wildcats coach Bruce Weber said sophomore forward D.J. Johnson has been slowed by an ankle injury since K-State beat Kansas, and he wasn’t playing at 100 percent.

• Jevon Thomas and Nigel Johnson were both held scoreless filling in for Spradling.

This story was originally published March 3, 2014 at 11:42 PM with the headline "To players’ relief, no more road games for Wildcats."