West Virginia Eliminated from Big 12 Tournament After Loss to BYU

Mountaineers' NCAA Tournament hopes dashed with 68-48 defeat

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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West Virginia's season came to an end on Wednesday night as they were eliminated from the Big 12 Tournament with a 68-48 loss to BYU. The Mountaineers struggled mightily in the first half, committing 14 turnovers that led to 10 points for the Cougars. WVU's lack of athleticism was also exposed as they failed to match BYU's intensity on both ends of the floor.

Why it matters

With the loss, West Virginia's NCAA Tournament drought will continue as they failed to earn an at-large bid. The Mountaineers now must decide whether to participate in a non-NCAA postseason event like the College Basketball Crown, which has a strong relationship with the Big 12 conference.

The details

West Virginia committed 14 turnovers in the first half, many of them live-ball giveaways that led to easy transition points for BYU. The Mountaineers struggled to move the ball effectively and often found themselves in tight spaces along the sideline or in the corners. BYU's defense was aggressive and disruptive, taking advantage of WVU's carelessness with the basketball.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, March 12, 2026 in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri.

The players

BYU

The BYU Cougars defeated West Virginia in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament.

Brenen Lorient

West Virginia's most athletic player, but he struggles to get his shot off quickly, leading to many contested looks from deep.

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What’s next

West Virginia must now decide whether to participate in a non-NCAA postseason event like the College Basketball Crown, which has a strong relationship with the Big 12 conference.

The takeaway

This loss highlights the need for West Virginia to improve their athleticism and decision-making with the basketball. The Mountaineers' lack of quickness and carelessness with the ball were major factors in their tournament exit, and they will need to address these issues in the offseason if they hope to end their NCAA Tournament drought next year.