Five Things to Know Before WVU vs. Kansas

Before West Virginia and Kansas matchup in the Big 12 quarterfinals on Thursday, let’s take a look at five things to know.

The First Two Matchups

The Mountaineers are 0-2 against the Jayhawks this season, losing in Lawrence 85-59and 71-58 in Morgantown. West Virginia competed well in the first half in both matchups, but eventually fell down in the second, never recovering.

After a 73-67 win over Kansas State, WVU head coach Bob Huggins doesn’t really want to think about playing the Jayhawks.

“Can I just think about this one for a while,” Huggins said. “I mean we’ve had great games with them over the years and I think this is one of Bill [Self’s] best teams. They’re good, they’re really good.”

WVU Needs a Perfect Game

Against KSU on Wednesday, West Virginia played one of their most complete games, out-rebounding the Wildcats and scoring more points in the paint. When is the last time that has happened?

Well, the Mountaineers will have to do so once again.

In order for WVU to upset Kansas, the Mountaineers will have to get great play from their bigs again. The team will need to pull down their rebounds and finish their layups. West Virginia can’t foul Kansas on three-point shots, just like that happened against Kansas State.

Maintain David McCormack

According to Kansas fans, big man David McCormack hasn’t had the greatest season in his four years in Lawrence. McCormack has taken a hit in points, averaging 10.1 per game. McCormack is also averaging 7.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks through 31 games.

Against West Virginia, McCormack has recorded 38 points, 26 rebounds and five assists in both matchups. It doesn’t matter who’s guarding McCormack, Isaiah Cottrell, Gabe Osabuohien, Pauly Paulicap and Dimon Carrigan have struggled maintaining the Jayhawk big.

If WVU wants to beat Kansas, McCormack can’t have another 19-point double-double.

Betting Lines

The spread for the West Virginia and Kansas game is -10 KU. The WVU money line is +400.

The over/under is 145.5.

How to Watch and Listen

You can watch West Virginia take on Kansas on Thursday, at 3 p.m., on ESPN. The Big 12 Conference Tournament matchup will take place inside the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Mountaineer Sports Network will broadcast the game on the radio, with Tony Caridi and Jay Jacobs once again calling WVU games for the entirety of this season.