Kansas State basketball and first-year head coach Casey Alexander opened the season with a narrow 68-66 loss to South Dakota State at Bramlage Coliseum on Tuesday night.

The Wildcats trailed by seven at halftime and clawed their way back into the game, but couldn't take the lead as the second half came to a close.

Alexander says the Jackrabbits' guards did a good job of making plays, while also taking responsibility for not putting his team in a position to deliver a better performance.

The Wildcats begin the season 0-1 and will be back in action Friday against Cal State Northridge. Pregame coverage begins at 7 p.m., with tipoff set for 8 p.m. on US 98.