The Mountaineers wrapped up 2024 and began conference play in a huge way on Tuesday defeating No. 7 Kansas 62-61.
West Virginia led throughout nearly the whole game and pulled it off in the end. It was the first win for WVU in Lawrence in program history and Kansas’ first conference-opener loss since 1991.
Despite forwards Amani Hansberry and Tucker DeVries out, West Virginia took care of business on both sides of the ball. Center Eduardo Andre had 15 points, six rebounds, four blocks, and three assists, while guard Javon Small had 13 points, coming up big in the late stages.
Kansas fought late in the game but couldn’t fully complete the comeback. Zeke Mayo had 27 points for the Jayhawks.
The Mountaineers held the Jayhawks scoreless for over five minutes as WVU led 9-0. Eduardo Andre had six points early for West Virginia.
With just about 14 and a half minutes to go, Kansas got their first score of the game with a three-pointer. The three was unable to get them going. However, they continued to struggle shooting as WVU was making an early statement.
After calling their second timeout, Kansas got their second score, but once again it was unable to completely give them momentum. The Mountaineers did go into a slight scoring drought, although.
West Virginia started heating up not long after. They made an 8-0 run, keeping Kansas at bay.
After starting the half clean, WVU committed a few turnovers with Kansas battling back. While Kansas showed more fight towards the end of the first half, they were unable to consistently make shots after a small 6-0 run.
To end the first half WVU shot four-of-four from the field. They were in control of the game, from the turnover battle to out-rebounding Kansas.
Andre played some of his best basketball in the first half. He had 12 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks in the first half alone.
West Virginia maintained their lead early in the second half. They stayed consistent on both sides of the ball and kept it fairly clean, not committing too many fouls or turnovers.
The Mountaineers continued to hold a comfortable lead as Kansas struggled from the field. Every time the Jayhawks did score, it felt like West Virginia immediately answered the score.
However, around the halfway mark of the second half, West Virginia was in a scoring drought, giving Kansas their chance to get back into the contest.
Kansas pulled within 10 and cut the deficit more as they caught fire from the field. With less than seven minutes to go, Kansas was on an 8-0 run as WVU was in a scoring drought.
The Jayhawks were just a score away from WVU, but then the scoring drought ended for the Mountaineers. They kept their distance, but Kansas was eager to take this one.
Coming down to the wire, West Virginia held the advantage. Kansas was down by six and was without a field goal in several minutes.
It came at the right time as Mayo knocked down a three-ball approaching a minute left to play. Dickinson pulled Kansas within one with just under 37 seconds left.
After two successful free throws from WVU, Kansas tied it up after an and-one. West Virginia had the opportunity to have the last shot and took advantage, getting the chance for foul shots with under two seconds remaining.
Small made one of his two attempts but it was enough to pull off the upset for WVU as they won 62-61. The Mountaineers will take on Oklahoma State on Saturday at home.
