MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — Kamau Stokes fed Xavier Sneed for a game-opening alley oop and Kansas State set the tone early as it opened the season with an 83-45 win over American on Friday night.

Dean Wade scored 17 points including 15 in the first half and newcomers Cartier Diarra netted 13 points and Makol Mawien had 12. Stokes and Barry Brown added 10 points each.

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The Wildcats broke away with unselfish play as they connected on 14 assists on their first 17 made shots. Stokes led the effort and finished with a game-high seven assists.

American struggled to keep pace as the Wildcats used a 14-0 run early on in the first half to put the Eagles behind 19-5.

Larry Motuzis led the Eagles in scoring with 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting.

BIG PICTURE

Coming off of an NCAA Tournament appearance, the season opener for Kansas State showed the offensive potential of proven vets like Dean Wade, Barry Brown and Kamau Stokes. The game also gave fans a chance to see young and unproven players like Makol Mawien and Cartier Diarra who will look to help Kansas State reach back-to-back NCAA appearances for the first time since 2013-2014 seasons.

UP NEXT

American: The Eagles face West Virginia on Nov. 15

Kansas State: The Wildcats host UMKC on Nov. 3

— Associated Press —