WVU Basketball

5 Things to Know Before WVU vs. No. 11 Kansas State

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2023

Joe Toussaint high fives students following the home win over Okalhoma State. WVSN photo/Kelsie LeRose

West Virginia will host No. 11 Kansas State on Saturday for the final regular season game of the year. Let’s take a look at five things to know before the game.

First Matchup: WVU Took K-State to Overtime in Manhattan

West Virginia melted down in overtime against Kansas State in the Big 12 opener, falling 82-76. Wildcats went on a 16-10 run in the extra period.

WVU G Kedrian Johnson connected on a three-pointer at the end of the second half to send the game into overtime. The last play of regulation was all over the place but the ball landed right into an open Johnson.

West Virginia turned the ball over 20 times but pulled down 50 rebounds.

Since the New Year’s Eve game, Kansas State has become one of the biggest shockers in the conference and the country. The Wildcats are 23-7 under first-year head coach Jerome Tang and look to earn a top-4 seed in the NCAA Tournament this month.

Mountaineers to Honor Six Seniors

West Virginia’s basketball program will honor six seniors on Saturday: three fifth-year seniors and three four-year seniors.

Kedrian Johnson / G / #0

Emmitt Matthews / F / #1

Tre Mitchell / F / #3

Joe Toussaint / G / #5

Erik Stevenson / G / #10

Jimmy Bell / F / #15

Johnson, Matthews and Stevenson will not return to West Virginia next year due to running out of eligibility but Mitchell, Toussaint and Bell are allowed to use their COVID option and come back.

West Virginia Banged Up in the Frontcourt

WVU’s frontcourt has suffered injuries in the last week. WVU sophomores Mohamed Wague (foot) and James Okonkwo (ankle) both suffered injuries recently. Wague is out indefinitely while Okonkwo has returned to practice.

West Virginia will have Jimmy Bell, Tre Mitchell, Pat Suemnick active for sure. Okonkwo’s status is unknown for now. WVU could always run Matthews at the five, as that’s how the rotation ended up towards the end of the Iowa State game.