CANCUN, Mexico – K-State made history by sinking a record-setting 17 three-pointers to overcome a halftime deficit and defeat Columbia, 95-92, during the Mayan Division of the 2025 Cancun Challenge at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya.
K-State (5-3) bounced back impressively after struggling with their long-range shooting in their previous game. This time, they shot an impressive 65.4% from beyond the arc, which marks the highest percentage for any team this season that made 17 or more three-pointers. This performance tied them for the second-most threes in a single game nationally this year.
Leading the charge was junior guard Taryn Sides, who had a standout game, scoring a career-high 30 points with a stunning 10-of-14 shooting, including 8-of-12 from three-point range. This game was particularly special for Sides, as she is the only player in the nation to achieve at least 30 points, eight three-pointers, and five assists in a game this season.
Not only that, Sides became just the fifth player in Big 12 history to reach these numbers in a game, joining Brittany Chambers, who recorded similar stats back in 2013. Her eight three-pointers tie for the fourth-most in K-State history, the highest since 2025.
Support came from others as well, with sophomore guard Izela Arenas contributing 16 points, while junior forward Nastja Claessens added 15 points, finishing 6-of-6 from the field. Freshman guard Brandie Harrod rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points and nine rebounds.
The game had its share of back-and-forth moments. K-State took the lead in the fourth after Sides hit a deep three-pointer. Though Columbia (3-3) made a strong push later in the quarter, K-State maintained control with clutch free throws in the final moments.
Looking at the bigger picture, K-State’s recent win signifies their resilience. They scored 90 or more points for the 21st time in five seasons, highlighting their potent offense. Since 2014, when they score 70 or more points, their winning percentage is an impressive .854. It’s also worth noting that, historically, teams that score over 70 points tend to have an edge; K-State’s record serves as an example of this trend.
Coach Jeff Mittie praised his team’s ball movement which helped them find the open shooter more effectively than in previous games. He noted Sides’ rhythm, stating that once she found her groove, her confidence soared. Such insights reflect a team learning to harness their offensive potential cumulatively rather than relying on individual performances alone.
This win also holds significance as K-State aims for a successful tournament. They face another challenge against North Carolina next. Such matchups provide the Wildcats with opportunities to test their limits early in the season.
A fun stat: The combined score of 187 points was the highest in any regulation game for K-State since the 2009-10 season, underlining the excitement of the offensive display witnessed in Cancun.
As the Wildcats prep for their next game, fans are hopeful they continue this momentum, leaning on their historic win while eyeing more records to break this season.
