Kansas basketball: West Virginia rematch, where to watch
By Stan Unruh
The Kansas basketball team is ready for another battle with West Virginia. Here are a few things to know when the Jayhawks host the Mountaineers.
The Kansas basketball team has beaten West Virginia every time the Mountaineers have come to Allen Fieldhouse. The Jayhawks will attempt to make it three straight in the series. Bill Self’s guys won in that miracle overtime finish last February. They also beat the Mountaineers in mid-January. Svi Mykhailiuk scored 17 and Devonte Graham 16 as Jayhawks rallied for a 6-point victory.
Since that meeting West Virginia has played .500 basketball. Four wins and four losses. They’ve given up big leads and had television commentators suggest “Press Virginia” is not what it used to be.
Bill Self won’t take any chances. He knows the Jayhawks must be ready for a battle. The Mountaineers lead the Big 12 forcing an average of over 17 turnovers a game. They are coming off a 16-point victory over TCU on Tuesday.
The Mountaineers also have much more depth than KU. Huggins plays up to ten players per contest led by guard Jevon Carter. The senior is averaging almost 17 points a game and wants a win in his last trip to Lawrence.
In the first meeting, Sagaba Konate gave the Jayhawks trouble in the paint. He is one of the Big 12 leaders in blocked shots. The sophomore forward also leads the Mountaineers in rebounds. He will be ready to battle with Udokah Azubuike and Mitch Lightfoot.
Here is where to watch the Jayhawks play the Mountaineers
Date: February 17
Time: 5:15 p.m. CST
Location: Lawrence
Venue: Allen Fieldhouse
Television: ESPN
Streaming: Watch ESPN
Listen: Jayhawk Radio Network
Next: Do Jayhawks have an advantage with 5 games left?
Keys to Victory
Kansas basketball must protect the basketball, crash the glass and keep Udokah Azubuike out of foul trouble. As a matter of fact, Dok played just 20 minutes and fouled out in the first meeting. Mitch Lightfoot did play a huge role in the come-from-behind win.
Bill Self also needs to get Svi back on track. He’s struggled the past three games. If Dok and Svi have big games, the Jayhawks will keep Huggins winless in Allen Fieldhouse.