By Jayson Henderson

Kansas State defeated George Washington 83-71 in the opening round of the Paradise Jam in St. Thomas. Senior David N’Guessan led K-State with 17 points and 9 rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. Four other Wildcats scored in double figures: Dug McDaniel (13), Max Jones (12), Brendan Hausen (11), and Achor Achor (10).

K-State built a 19-point halftime lead and maintained control despite a second-half push from George Washington. The Wildcats out-rebounded GW 42-28 and will face Liberty in Sunday’s semifinals.