WVU Basketball

5 Things to Know Before WVU vs. Kansas in Big 12 Tournament

Published

1 year ago

March 9, 2023

Photo: Kelsie LeRose / WVSN

West Virginia advances to the second round of the Big 12 Tournament to face 1-seed Kansas in the quarterfinal round. Let’s take a look at five things to know before the game.

WVU Almost Stole Last Matchup

Just less than two weeks ago, West Virginia had an opportunity to tie the game up at the end of regulation at Allen Fieldhouse. A turnover by Joe Toussaint in the final seconds helped Kansas escape with the win. Looking back at it, that loss might’ve even fueled West Virginia even more. Since then, WVU has went on a three-game winning streak, defeating Iowa State, Kansas State and Texas Tech.

Against Kansas in Lawrence, the Mountaineers turned the ball over 21 times and still had a chance to win.

The first matchup? Not close. The Jayhawks, led by freshman guard Gradey Dick, didn’t miss from three. KU ran away with the game in Morgantown back in January.

Mountaineers Still Playing Best Basketball

West Virginia is currently playing their best basketball all season, going 4-1 in their last five games. The Mountaineers’ only loss in the last two weeks was to Kansas by one basket at Allen Fieldhouse.

WVU’s fifth-year seniors Erik Stevenson, Kedrian Johnson and Emmitt Matthews have all stepped up their games, as they know that their time is running out.

Watch: WVSN’s Ethan Bock Recaps WVU’s First Round Win in Kansas City

Bill Self Out Versus West Virginia

Kansas men’s basketball announced on Thursday morning that head coach Bill Self has suffered an illness and will not coach against West Virginia in the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals.

Norm Roberts will serve as acting head coach.

“Self is doing well and receiving great care at the University of Kansas Health System,” according to the University.