No. 24 West Virginia Falls in Overtime Against Kansas State in Big 12 Opener, 82-76

No. 24 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. That shot was Johnson’s first field goal of the game.

Kansas State (12-1, 1-0 Big 12) opened the second half on a 31-12 run. West Virginia (10-3, 0-1 Big 12) had no answer once KSU’s offense started to make shots.

Both WVU and KSU combined for 53 fouls as both were in the bonus in both halves.

West Virginia got on a fast start to Big 12 play, starting the game on a 17-3 run. Kansas State couldn’t get a basket but started to get it rolling mid-way through the first frame.

Jimmy Bell started out with six points in the first couple of minutes. In his first Big 12 game in his career, Bell ended the game with eight points. Bell had help in the frontcourt from Tre Mitchell and Mohamed Wague early-on.

Mountaineers committed 20 turnovers as Kansas State scored 22 points off WVU’s mistakes.

West Virginia out-rebounded Kansas State 50-36.

KSU F Keyontae Johnson made a transition layup to score the team’s first field goal of the game with 14 minutes left in the first half. Johnson, who has returned to the basketball court this season, finished with 18 points and six rebounds.

WVU F Emmitt Matthews returned to the court against Oklahoma State after missing the last two games with a left knee injury. Matthews played 39 minutes, finishing with 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting.

West Virginia will stay on the road and head to Stillwater, Ok. on Monday night to take on Oklahoma State. OSU lost to No. 4 Kansas on Saturday, blowing a 15-point lead at the half. Mountaineers and Cowboys will tipoff at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.