In a compelling matchup at Bramlage Coliseum, Kansas State took control from the outset and cruised to a 73-60 win over West Virginia. The Wildcats displayed an impressive offensive balance, while the Mountaineers struggled with consistency and shooting accuracy. Despite a strong second-half performance, West Virginia could not overcome their slow start. Meanwhile, Kansas State ended a six-game losing streak and improved their Big 12 record.

Wildcats' Strong Start Sets the Tone

The Wildcats opened the game with relentless intensity, scoring 19 of the first 21 points. This early dominance set the stage for a comfortable lead that they maintained throughout the contest. Key contributors included Dug McDaniel with 15 points, David N’Guessan adding 14, Max Jones contributing 12, Coleman Hawkins with 11, and C.J. Jones off the bench scoring 10. Their balanced attack and efficient shooting (47.3% from the floor) were instrumental in securing the victory.

Kansas State's largest lead reached 26 points, capping a dominant first half. The team capitalized on West Virginia’s initial lack of focus and poor shooting. Coach Darian DeVries acknowledged his team's sluggish start: "We came out flat in those first five minutes and never really recovered." The Wildcats effectively used this momentum to control the game, finishing the first half with a commanding lead that proved insurmountable for the Mountaineers.

Mountaineers' Second-Half Effort Falls Short

West Virginia showed significant improvement in the second half, outscoring Kansas State 42-31. Javon Small led the charge with a game-high 22 points, despite facing intense defensive pressure. However, the early deficit was too much to overcome. Only five of the ten players who saw action managed to score, highlighting the team's offensive struggles. Toby Okani added 13 points, and Sencire Harris contributed 12, but it wasn't enough to close the gap.

The Mountaineers' shooting woes continued, especially from beyond the arc, where they hit just 19% of their attempts. This trend mirrored their previous game against Arizona State, where they also started poorly. Coach DeVries emphasized the importance of maintaining focus: "Like I told my players, this is a good league. You can't let a bad game turn into a losing streak." Despite the loss, West Virginia remains optimistic about their upcoming home game against Houston, aiming to bounce back strongly.