Kansas State defeated Michigan State in the Sweet 16 in an overtime instant classic by a final score of 98-93.

This was unquestionably "The Markquis Nowell Game". He finished with 20 points and 19 assists, the most assists ever in an NCAA Tournament game.

Of the 98 total points, Nowell created 69 points, rather scoring himself or getting an assist.

His 106 combined points plus assists in the first three games of the tournament are the most since the historic 2011 run from UConn's Kemba Walker. Yeah, he's been THAT good.

All of that on a twisted ankle that he injured around the half-way point in the second half. He would sit out for about a minute-and-a-half of game action, but he is New York tough and wouldn't be denied.

The Big Apple native returned to the floor making some otherworldly passes, picking up where he left off. He finished with an unheard-of 19-2 assist to turnover ratio.

All that his teammates had to do was cut to the basket and Nowell worked his magic.

Keyontae Johnson, David N'Guessan and Nae'Qwan Tomlin were the largest benefactors.

Keyontae led the team in scoring with 22 points on 10-for-18 total shooting. N'Guessan was fantastic at finishing around the rim, scoring 11 points and a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor. Nae'Qwan Tomlin, another New York native, also had 11, but he had some shots that didn't drop, shooting a still solid 4-for-9.

Cam Carter had one of his best games in a Kansas State uniform as the sophomore transfer from Mississippi State finished with 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting.

The play that everyone will remember the most is the lob from nearly half court from Nowell to Johnson, who slammed it home behind his head with 56.2 seconds left in overtime to take a 94-92 lead.

"Big Game Ish" Massoud came in clutch once again in the regional semifinal victory. He made arguably the most important shot of the game. 

The Cats were desperately grasping on to a 94-93 advantage, and with 17 seconds left on the game clock and only 4.5 on the shot clock on an inbound play, Massoud cut to the short corner and buried a 16-footer to go up by three.

Massoud, the fourth-year senior who is also a native to the Big Apple, finished with 15 points.

Michigan State's final play would have looked a lot different if that shot wouldn't have gone in since they needed a three-point shot to tie after Massoud's make.

Nowell would get the strip and score a run-out layup as the clock expired.Who would have thought that in such a high scoring game, it was Kansas State's defense that stepped up in the clutch? Definitely not me.

Coming into the game, Michigan State was one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country, and they showcased it. The Spartans shot 52% from deep with 13 makes.

However, the Cats were able to play their game with 11 makes of their own on 45% shooting from distance.

K-State advances to its third Elite 8 appearance since 2010 and their first since 2018.

If K-State can win their next game against Florida Atlantic, they will head to Houston for the Final Four for the first time since 1964. 

They will play their 13th Elite 8 game in school history, which is the 10th-most appearances in the country, on Saturday back in Madison Square Garden with tip-off against the Owls set for 5:09PM