Kansas State senior guard Markquis Nowell didn’t let a hobbled ankle keep him from turning in one of the best performances in men’s NCAA tournament history on Thursday.
As his No. 3 Wildcats toppled No. 7 Michigan State in the Sweet 16, 98-93, Nowell celebrated setting a men’s NCAA tournament record for assists in a game with 19.
You could sum up Nowell’s incredible game by him executing arguably the most fascinating play of the 2023 men’s NCAA tournament.
At one point, it looked like he possibly set up a pivotal bucket on a fake argument with Wildcats coach Jerome Tang. The coach disputed that it was a fake out, but it still looked incredible.
All in all, few basketball players have ever had such a stunning performance as Nowell’s during this year’s March Madness.
Markquis Nowell's 19 assists are the most in an NCAA tournament game since assists became official in 1984.
He passes UNLV's Mark Wade who had 18 assists in the 1987 National Semifinals pic.twitter.com/VCiIrmQxjb
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 24, 2023
MARKQUIS NOWELL BREAKS THE RECORD
THE MOST ASSISTS EVER IN AN NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME. WILDCATS LEAD 🔥#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/D9Ky6Iw9PV
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 24, 2023
Nowell also scored 20 points in the stellar contest, including this final layup before the buzzer to widen the margin and send Kansas State to the Elite Eight.
OH MY, MARKQUIS NOWELL 🤩
HE JUST SENT @KStateMBB TO THE ELITE EIGHT! pic.twitter.com/14EzyZpSmD
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 24, 2023
The Harlem, New York, native got to shine in front of his home crowd at Madison Square Garden, and he’ll now stick around in the Big Dance with his fellow Wildcats.
"This one was special in front of my hometown, in front of the city that loves me. I can't even put into words how blessed and grateful I am"
– NYC-born Markquis Nowell on his 19-assist performance at MSG tonight pic.twitter.com/EcMU8ZvTxE
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 24, 2023
Incredibly special moment for Markquis Nowell pic.twitter.com/6RZHmVv9HN
— Kellis Robinett (@KellisRobinett) March 24, 2023
At the very least, Nowell sure knows that everyone saw his magnificent performance.
“You’re No. 1 trending in the WORLD right now.”
“That’s the best game I’ve ever had.” pic.twitter.com/DpzVevHNZW
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 24, 2023
After the game, the 5-foot-8 Nowell also got a special shoutout from Muggsy Bogues, one of the NBA’s most notable players to overcome stature and succeed in the pros.
Nowell is following in the 5-foot-3 NBA legend’s footsteps. Bogues even paid homage to Nowell’s signature slogan: “Heart over height.”
20 points 19 assists and he’s still dancing 😤😤 @MrNewYorkCityy #heartoverheight
— Tyrone Muggsy Bogues (@MuggsyBogues) March 24, 2023
