Manhattan, KS (SportsNetwork.com) - Nigel Johnson paced six teammates in double figures with 18 points, as the Kansas State Wildcats dismissed the Southern Utah Thunderbirds, 98-68, in the season opener at Bramlage Coliseum.

Thomas Gipson scored 17 points for Kansas State (1-0), Tre Harris and Marcus Foster both scored 13, and Justin Edwards and Stephen Hurt netted 11 apiece.

A.J. Hess led Southern Utah (0-1) with 16 points.

Kansas State shot 50 percent from the field in the first half en route to a 44-36 lead at the break. Southern Utah kept the game within striking distance by making 45.8 percent of its shots in the opening frame, including 6-of-12 from 3-point range.

The Wildcats pulled away in the second half by outshooting the Thunderbirds from the floor, 66.7 percent to 36 percent.

Southern Utah committed 24 turnovers, which led to 30 Kansas State points.