WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Kansas State used a strong third quarter to break open a close game Thursday night, defeating Southern Indiana 61-47 in women's basketball action at Bramlage Coliseum.

The Wildcats outscored the Screaming Eagles 21-10 in the third quarter after holding a narrow two-point halftime advantage, building a 13-point lead heading into the final period.

Taryn Sides led Kansas State with 16 points, while Tzoana Tampakou added 15, and Nastja Claessens finished with 12. The three combined for 43 of the Wildcats' 61 points.

Channah Gannon paced Southern Indiana with a game-high 17 points. Tamara Ortiz and Chloe Gannon added eight points apiece.

The teams were tied at 17 after the opening quarter, with Southern Indiana keeping pace with the Wildcats throughout the first 10 minutes.

Kansas State gained a slight advantage in the second quarter, outscoring the Screaming Eagles 12-10 to take a 29-27 lead into halftime. The contest featured five lead changes and three ties, with Southern Indiana holding its final lead at 22-21 with 5:15 remaining in the second quarter.

The Wildcats took control after halftime, using their best offensive quarter of the game to stretch the advantage to 50-37 entering the fourth quarter.

Kansas State maintained its double-digit advantage down the stretch, outscoring Southern Indiana 11-10 in the final period to secure the 14-point victory.

The Wildcats shot 41.1% from the field, connecting on 23-of-56 attempts, including 7-of-27 from 3-point range. Southern Indiana finished at 33.3% from the floor, making 18-of-54 shots and 5-of-19 from beyond the arc.

Kansas State also held a 38-31 rebounding advantage, including an 11-8 edge on the offensive glass.

Free-throw shooting was a struggle for the Wildcats, who converted just 8-of-17 attempts for 47.1%. Southern Indiana made 6-of-8 attempts from the line.

The victory improved Kansas State to 2-0 on the season, while Southern Indiana dropped to 0-2. The Wildcats host UTRGV at 12 p.m. on Sunday.