K-State's Tang Implements Changes After Loss, Boosts Effort vs. Houston

Kansas State men's basketball coach Jerome Tang implemented unconventional measures to address his team's lackluster performance following a 91-62 home loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday, resulting in a more competitive showing despite a 78-64 defeat to No. 3 Houston on Saturday at Fertitta Center.

The Wildcats, who fell to 10-15 overall and 1-11 in Big 12 play after the Cincinnati blowout, had endured five straight losses, including three consecutive home defeats by at least 20 points. Cincinnati built a 53-31 halftime lead, shooting 57.1 percent from the field and making 16 three-pointers, the second-most ever allowed by Kansas State. Defensive breakdowns, such as poor rebounding and allowing easy second-chance points, contributed to the lopsided result. During the game, some fans, including about 20 students, wore brown paper bags over their heads in protest, with messages calling for Tang's dismissal.

In a tense postgame news conference limited to two questions, Tang expressed deep frustration. "This was embarrassing," he said. "These dudes do not deserve to wear this uniform, and there will be very few of them in it next year. I'm embarrassed for the university, I'm...