Sensational freshman Michael Beasley was in early foul trouble against No. 10 Texas A&M on Saturday, and the first impulse of the Wildcats’ rookie boss was to bench him for the rest of the first half.

Instead, he subbed the 6-foot-10 phenom in and out expertly, depending on whether Kansas State was on offense or defense, and Beasley finished with 21 points in a 75-54 victory in front of a roaring sellout crowd.

“He’s a smart man,” said Beasley, who had nine points in 9 minutes in the first half. “I didn’t need any more fouls. I picked up two stupid fouls and the way he was playing me in and out, I didn’t want to get any more fouls but I didn’t want to sit there and get stiff so I wouldn’t be helping in the second half. I thought that was a really smart move by Coach Martin.”

Freshman Bill Walker also got his third foul shortly after halftime but scored 19 points and led an impressive defensive charge that gave the Wildcats (12-4, 2-0 Big 12) their first 2-0 start to a conference season in 15 years.

It was the second road loss this week for the Aggies (15-3, 1-2), who made only two of their first 15 shots in the second half.

“They were quicker to the ball,” Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon said. “We looked like quicksand compared to them. (Beasley) was in foul trouble all night and never lost his rhythm, and he draws fouls better than anybody that I’ve been around.”

Martin, who had never been a college head coach until getting an emergency promotion last spring when Bob Huggins unexpectedly bolted for West Virginia, said his response was “part of my growth.”

Walker helped Kansas State to a two-point halftime lead, and after Joseph Jones hit two free throws to bring the Aggies within 41-39, Beasley returned from the bench and hit a quick basket.

Iowa State 73, Oklahoma State 66

Ames, Iowa – Iowa State knew it wouldn’t go far this season without Wesley Johnson. Now that Johnson’s healthy and playing better than ever, the Cyclones look like they could be a factor in the Big 12 race.

Johnson scored a career-high 24 points to lead Iowa State past Oklahoma State, its ninth win in 11 games. That recent surge has coincided with the return of Johnson, who missed four games with a bone bruise in his foot and spent a few more getting back into rhythm.

Johnson still isn’t 100 percent – but try telling that to the Cowboys.

“Wesley Johnson is a great player,” said Iowa State coach Greg McDermott. “His heart is always in the game and he doesn’t like to lose. Wes is going to give it everything he has when he’s on the court.”

Freshman Craig Brackins added 15 points and Jiri Hubalek had 13 for the Cyclones (12-6, 2-1 Big 12), who rallied from an early 10-point hole and extended Oklahoma State’s road losing streak to 16 games.

Oklahoma 63, Texas Tech 61

Norman, Okla. – Taylor Griffin matched his career high with 16 points and pulled down a season-high 12 rebounds to record his first double-double of the season and lead Oklahoma past Texas Tech.

Griffin, playing increased minutes after his brother Blake was injured, made a jumper from the foul line to tie the game and then put the Sooners (13-5, 1-2 Big 12) ahead 53-52 by making one of two free throws with 4:56 remaining.

David Godbold followed with a jumper and Tony Crocker hit a three-pointer from the left corner as Oklahoma was able to build a lead larger than one point for the first time all game.

No. 19 Texas 69, Colorado 67

Austin, Texas – D.J. Augustin scored 25 points, A.J. Abrams sparked a second-half rally, and Texas rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Colorado.

Augustin was the workhorse for Texas (14-3, 1-1 Big 12), but it was Abrams who dug the Longhorns out of a big hole in the second half to get their first conference win.

Texas trailed 41-28 early in the second half before Abrams hit a three-pointer, then converted a three-point play. The Longhorns roared to the lead behind a 24-6 run that ended the Buffaloes’ hopes of an upset. Abrams finished with 17 points and four three-pointers.

Richard Roby scored 18 points for Colorado (9-8, 1-2), which hit seven three-pointers in the first half, but none in the second.

Baylor 72, Nebraska 70

Lincoln, Neb. – Henry Dugat had 19 points and hit a runner in the lane with 1:10 left to put Baylor ahead for good as the Bears snapped a 25-game Big 12 Conference road losing streak by downing the Cornhuskers.

Baylor (15-2, 3-0 Big 12) last won on the road in conference play on Feb. 25, 2004 at Texas A&M.

Nebraska (11-5, 0-3) made just two field goals in the last nine minutes of the game. The Huskers hit 10 of 12 free throws in the final 3:34 after struggling from the line earlier in the game. Nebraska finished 21 of 34. Baylor hit 20 of 26 free throws.