Who has the most assists in an NCAA Tournament game? Kansas State's Markquis Nowell goes to top of list

Kansas State point guard Markquis Nowell etched his name in NCAA Tournament history Thursday night by dishing out a record 19 assists in the Wildcats' 98-93 overtime victory over Michigan State.

Nowell's performance in the East Region semifinal at Madison Square Garden was legendary. The All-American used his mix of yo-yo handles and no-look passes to get his teammates involved all night long.

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He racked up 10 assists in the first half, putting himself in position to attack the record for dimes in a tourney game. He continued to dominate in the second half and OT, even after suffering an ankle injury.

MORE: How Nowell's Harlem roots led him to Kansas State… and now MSG

The 19th assist came on what proved to be the decisive basket with 15.6 seconds to play in overtime.

MARKQUIS NOWELL BREAKS THE RECORD

THE MOST ASSISTS EVER IN AN NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME. WILDCATS LEAD 🔥#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/D9Ky6Iw9PV

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 24, 2023

MORE: Breaking down Markquis Nowell's chances to make the NBA

March Madness single-game assist record

Who has the most assists in an NCAA Tournament game?

Kansas State guard Markquis Nowell now holds the record for most assists in a tournament game after dishing out 19 dimes vs. Michigan State. Nowell passed former UNLV guard Mark Wade.