NYC’s own Markquis Nowell puts on March Madness show in Kansas State win over Michigan State

NYC’s own Markquis Nowell puts on March Madness show in Kansas State win over Michigan State

Markquis Nowell broke the NCAA Tournament record for assists in a game with 19, his last two on spectacular passes in the final minute of overtime, and Kansas State beat Michigan State 98-93 on Thursday night in a Sweet 16 thriller at Madison Square Garden.

Playing in his hometown and fighting through a second-half ankle injury, Nowell found Keyontae Johnson for a reverse alley-oop with 58 seconds left in OT to give the Wildcats (26-9) the lead for good in this back-and-forth East Region semifinal.

He then threw an inbound pass to Ismael Massoud, who knocked down a jumper with 15 seconds left for a 96-93 lead.


Markquis Nowell, who had 19 assists, celebrates during Kansas State's 98-93 overtime win over Michigan State.
Markquis Nowell, who had 19 assists, celebrates during Kansas State’s 98-93 overtime win over Michigan State.AP

With Michigan State needing a 3 to tie, Nowell stole the ball from the Spartans’ Tyson Walker and drove for a clinching layup at the buzzer.

The 5-foot-8, Harlem-raised Nowell finished with 20 points and five steals in a signature performance at basketball’s most famous arena.

Johnson scored 22 points for the Wildcats. A.J. Hoggard led Michigan State (21-13) with 25 points.