Kansas State basketball brought its perfect record to the 25th annual Hall of Fame Classic in Kansas City on Nov. 20-21. The Wildcats (4-0) hosted Mississippi State (2-1) in the tournament semifinals. The event took place at the T-Mobile Center, featuring four elite teams competing for the championship.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Kansas State entered the tournament with a 4-0 record from games against Troy, Bellarmine, Cal, and Tulsa.
- The Wildcats averaged 93.5 points in their first 4 games.
- P.J. Haggerty led scorers at 26 points per game through the first 4 contests.
- The Hall of Fame Classic featured Nebraska, New Mexico, Mississippi State, and Kansas State.
- The championship game was scheduled for Nov. 21 at 8:30 p.m. CT at the T-Mobile Center.
Wildcats Bring Undefeated Start to Kansas City
Kansas State arrived at the Hall of Fame Classic with one objective. The team wanted to stay undefeated against Mississippi State in the semifinals on Nov. 20. The Wildcats had won their first four games with dominant performances.
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Jerome Tang‘s squad posted impressive offensive numbers early. Kansas State shot 54.7 percent from the field and 45.7 percent from 3-point range to start the season. The Wildcats made 42 three-pointers in their opening four games. Defense also played a crucial role in the early success.
The Wildcats returned just four players from the 2024-25 season. Head coach Jerome Tang added ten newcomers, including five Division I transfers. P.J. Haggerty from Memphis led the new acquisitions.
The Wildcats are off to an elite start, combining experienced transfers with versatile international recruitment for depth.
Star Power Leads Kansas State’s Early Rise
P.J. Haggerty dominated scoring in the early season. The junior transfer joined Bob Boozer and Michael Beasley in an exclusive club. He became just the third Wildcat to open a season with four consecutive games of 20 or more points.
Against Tulsa on Nov. 17, Haggerty showcased his versatile game. He scored 31 points with 10 rebounds for his first 30-10 game as a Wildcat. 27 of those points came in the second half. Kansas State rallied from 5 points down with 49 seconds remaining to win 84-83.
Nate Johnson added depth to the scoring attack. In his Wildcat debut against UNC Greensboro, Johnson scored 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting. He totaled 9 rebounds and 9 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double.
Tournament Details and Bracket Information
The Hall of Fame Classic hosted four powerful programs at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Nebraska and New Mexico competed in the other semifinal pairing. Winners advanced to the championship game on Nov. 21 at 8:30 p.m. CT.
| Tournament Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Hall of Fame Classic (25th Year) |
| Location | T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO |
| Dates | Nov. 20-21, 2025 |
| K-State Opponent (Semifinal) | Mississippi State (Nov. 20, 8:30 p.m. CT) |
| Other Teams | Nebraska, New Mexico |
| Broadcast | Peacock, NBC Sports NOW |
Kansas State came to the classic seeking its first Hall of Fame Classic championship. The Wildcats played in the tournament in 2010 and 2015, finishing as runners-up both years. A win over Mississippi State would position Kansas State for the title game.
Why This Tournament Matters for K-State
High-profile neutral-site tournaments build résumés. Kansas State needed strong nonconference wins heading into Big 12 play. A run at the Hall of Fame Classic would strengthen the Wildcats’ tournament credential before league scheduling begins.
The Wildcats held historical advantages over Mississippi State. Kansas State led the all-time series 3-1 against the Bulldogs. The teams had not met in five years. Mississippi State won their most recent matchup 67-61 in 2019 at Newark, New Jersey.
Coach Jerome Tang brought elite offensive firepower to Kansas City. The squad shot better than 55 percent from the field. They ranked among the nation’s elite in offensive efficiency. This offensive prowess created a major advantage against any opponent.
What Comes Next for the Wildcats
- A championship game appearance would require K-State to beat Mississippi State in the Nov. 20 semifinal.
- The finalist goes directly to the 8:30 p.m. CT championship on Nov. 21.
- Kansas State seeks its first Hall of Fame Classic title to make it 5-0 on the season.
- The Big 12 conference schedule begins after this tournament break.
- National tournament seeding could improve with a championship run at Kansas City.
Can Kansas State Maintain Perfection in the Tournament?
The question loomed as game time approached on Nov. 20. Could the Wildcats keep their undefeated record intact? Mississippi State represented a skilled test with Josh Hubbard averaging 22.3 points per game.
Kansas State had all the elements for success. Elite offensive shooting, strong ball movement, and deep roster depth created multiple advantages. P.J. Haggerty was playing at an All-American caliber level. The supporting cast of transfers and established players provided scoring depth.
The Hall of Fame Classic provided the perfect opportunity to validate the early-season hype. Would Kansas State’s undefeated run continue? Or would Mississippi State prove too formidable? The T-Mobile Center on Nov. 20 would provide the answer.
Sources
- Kansas State Sports – K-State basketball preseason information and preview details
- National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) – Hall of Fame Classic tournament information
- ESPN – Team schedules, player statistics, and game coverage
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.