In a thrilling Big 12 opener, the West Virginia Mountaineers stunned the seventh-ranked Kansas Jayhawks 62-61 at legendary Allen Fieldhouse. Javon Small’s ice-cold free throw with 1.8 seconds remaining sealed the victory after the Mountaineers weathered a furious Kansas comeback from an 18-point deficit.
Playing without two key starters, West Virginia displayed remarkable resilience, limiting turnovers and holding their ground against the intense home crowd. Eduardo Andre led the Mountaineers with 15 points, while Small contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists
Zeke Mayo ignited the Kansas comeback, scoring 27 points, including 13-of-13 from the free-throw line. His three-point play with 16 seconds left tied the game, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. However, Small’s clutch free throw and KJ Adams’ missed buzzer-beater sent the stunned Jayhawks home with their first conference-opening loss since 1991.
Key Takeaways:
- Mountaineers’ Grit: West Virginia’s ability to overcome adversity, both in terms of injuries and the hostile environment, was a testament to their character and determination.
- Mayo’s Offensive Explosion: Despite Kansas’s early struggles, Mayo’s scoring prowess kept them in the game and nearly orchestrated a comeback victory.
- Small’s Ice-Cold Nerve: Small’s impact extended beyond scoring, with his rebounding and playmaking crucial throughout. His game-winning free throw will be remembered as a defining moment.
Key Stat:
Kansas’s near-perfect free-throw shooting (19-of-21) contrasted sharply with West Virginia’s limited attempts (4-of-6), highlighting the Mountaineers’ efficient offensive execution in crunch time.
Next Game:
Kansas will head to Orlando on Sunday to face UCF. Pregame coverage on 95.5 KNDY and SuperStar Country 102.5 & 1530 AM will begin at 2:30 p.m. with tipoff at 3:00 p.m. The game will not be available on Z-96.3 The Lake due to Kansas City Chiefs football at Denver at the same time.
