West Virginia vs Kansas State: Road Win Bid

0:00On March 3rd, West Virginia heads the Manhattan for a big 12 matchup against Kansas State. The mountaineer sit at 17 wins and 12 losses overall, 8-8 in conference, fresh off a solid 79-71 victory. Over number 19 BYU that ended a three-game skid. That win has them on the bubble in Bracketology listed in the next four-hour by experts like ESPN's Joe Lunardi. Kansas State struggles at 11-18, just 2-14 in the big 12, under interim coach Matthew Driscoll since mid-February. They grab a nice home win over Baylor right after the change, but have lost three straight, including a turnover-filled defeat to TCU last weekend. This tips off as their final home game of the season. Fans and analysts see this as a chance for West Virginia to build momentum toward the tournament, especially after holding BYU's star in check. Kansas State's junior guard PJ Hagrid leaves the charge, averaging over 23 points per game, third in the nation, and he torch the mountaineers for 16 in the second half of

1:06their first meeting this year. The big question is whether West Virginia's Jasper Floyd can stay out of foul trouble while containing Hagrid who's efficient even on a weak team. Rebounding and free throws have been key for the mountaineers all season. They're 15-4 when they attempt more from the line. A possible return for Kansas State's sharp-shooting wing, Abdi Bashir adds intrigue after his muff-long injury layoff. West Virginia holds a slight all-time edge, and already won the earlier clash in Morgan Town, pulling away late. With their recent form against a top 25-0, the mountaineers lip poised to grab a road win and stay in the postseason hunt.