The Kansas State Wildcats are hanging tough with top seeded Syracuse even without forward Jamar Samuels who is sitting the game out with an eligibility issue.
Kansas State cut an 11 point Syracuse lead to just one right before the break by attacking Syracuse's zone defense on the offensive glass. The Wildcats have a 25-15 rebounding advantage and a 13-2 edge on the offensive glass. That has led to 10 more shot attempts for the Wildcats who have taken advantage of the extra opportunities despite some ugly shooting numbers.
Rodney McGruder scored seven points in the first half to lead the Wildcats. Jordan Henriquez has six points and 11 rebounds while Will Spradling has five. Kansas State is getting good looks at the basket but shot just 24 percent in the first half.
Dion Waiters scored 11 points off the bench to lead Syracuse and Kris Joseph added eight.
For up-to-the-minute scores on all NCAA Tournament games, please check out SI.com's complete scoreboard.
For more on the 2012 NCAA Tournament bracket, stay with SB Nation's Selection Sunday StoryStream, and stick around SB Nation's NCAA Tournament hub for a complete printable NCAA Tournament bracket and tons of analysis on who was snubbed, who got the best bracket, and who will make it all the way to New Orleans and the Final Four.
