WVU Falls to K-State as NCAA Tournament Hopes Dim

Wildcats Rally Past Mountaineers in Tight Conference Matchup

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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West Virginia faced a challenging situation Tuesday, entering Bramlage Coliseum to play a Kansas State team already facing adversity. The Wildcats defeated the Mountaineers 65-63, dealing a blow to West Virginia's NCAA tournament hopes.

Why it matters

This loss to a team near the bottom of the Big 12 standings, particularly after a strong first half, underscores the importance of consistent performance and rebounding in high-stakes conference play for West Virginia as they seek to secure an NCAA tournament bid.

The details

Kansas State guard Nate Johnson nearly achieved a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. He also recorded five steals. A 21-0 run propelled Kansas State from a 26-23 halftime deficit to a 48-31 lead, extending their advantage to 19 points. Despite a late rally by West Virginia, the Wildcats held on for the win.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • West Virginia entered the game with a 17-13 record, 8-9 in the Big 12.

The players

Nate Johnson

A Kansas State guard who nearly achieved a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, while also recording five steals.

Chance Moore

West Virginia's leading scorer in the game, with 18 points.

Brenen Lorient

A West Virginia player who scored 14 points in the game.

Honor Huff

A West Virginia player who became the third player in WVU history to score 100 three-pointers in a season.

Jerome Tang

The Kansas State head coach who was fired on February 15, leaving the team playing for an interim head coach.

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What they’re saying

“This loss to a team near the bottom of the Big 12 standings, particularly after a strong first half, underscores the importance of consistent performance and rebounding in high-stakes conference play for West Virginia as they seek to secure an NCAA tournament bid.”

— Samantha Carter, Editor-in-Chief, Newsy-Today.com (Newsy-Today.com)

What’s next

As West Virginia prepares to host UCF on Friday, they will need to regroup and secure a win to improve their chances of reaching the NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

West Virginia's loss to Kansas State, a team near the bottom of the Big 12 standings, despite a strong first-half performance, highlights the importance of maintaining consistent play and rebounding in high-stakes conference games as they fight for an NCAA tournament bid.