MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Nigel Johnson scored a career-high 18 points and Thomas Gipson had 17 points and six rebounds Friday to lead Kansas State over Southern Utah 98-68 in the season opener for both teams.
A.J. Hess had 16 points, including 12 in the first half, to pace the Thunderbirds, who are coming off a 2-27 campaign in 2013-14.
Four other players scored in double figures for the Wildcats, including Marcus Foster and Tre Harris with 13 points apiece. Johnson had a career-high tying five assists.
It was the most points Kansas State has scored since its 87-point performance against Central Arkansas on Dec. 1, 2013.
The Wildcats led 44-36 at halftime, and opened the second half with 33-9 run to lead 77-55 after 10 minutes.
Johnson shot 3 of 4 from deep to aid the Wildcats’ offense, which gave him all nine of his second-half points.
