In a thrilling Big 12 basketball contest, the West Virginia Mountaineers emerged victorious over the Kansas State Wildcats with a final score of 59-54. The game's decisive moment arrived in the closing minute when Treysen Eaglestaff executed a crucial three-point play, securing the win for West Virginia. Despite enduring a prolonged scoring drought in the second half, the Mountaineers demonstrated resilience and strategic play to overcome their opponents, highlighting key performances and strategic adjustments that ultimately led to their triumph in Morgantown.
The critical Big 12 matchup unfolded in Morgantown, West Virginia, on a Tuesday night. The home team, the West Virginia Mountaineers, faced off against the Kansas State Wildcats in a highly anticipated game. A standout performance from senior forward Treysen Eaglestaff proved instrumental for West Virginia. After being held scoreless in the initial half, Eaglestaff ignited in the final three minutes and seventeen seconds, contributing eight points, including a pivotal three-point play with just 43 seconds left on the clock. This late surge was vital in securing the Mountaineers' 59-54 victory.
The game saw both teams battling intensely, with momentum swinging back and forth. The Mountaineers initially struggled, falling behind 13-5 after hitting only two of their first 13 shots. However, they mounted a strong 13-3 run to seize the lead. Honor Huff played a significant role in this turnaround, draining four three-pointers in the first half to help West Virginia build a 28-22 advantage by halftime. Despite the deficit, Kansas State's P.J. Haggerty, who was scoreless in the first half, came alive in the second, scoring 16 points and propelling the Wildcats to a brief lead with 8:39 remaining. Nevertheless, Eaglestaff's late-game heroics, complemented by Huff's 17 points and Brenen Lorient's 10, ensured West Virginia maintained control, ultimately clinching a hard-fought conference victory.
The Mountaineers' win improves their season record to 14-7 overall and 5-3 in Big 12 play, while the Wildcats fall to 10-11 overall and 1-7 in the conference. The defensive effort from West Virginia, combined with timely offensive plays, allowed them to navigate a challenging second half where they faced a nearly seven-minute scoring drought. Eaglestaff’s overall contribution, including his career-best nine rebounds, underscored his impact on the team's success in this vital league game.