No. 13 West Virginia thumps Kansas State in foul-plagued game
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Jevon Carter had 19 points and nine rebounds to lead No. 13 West Virginia to a foul-plagued 85-66 victory over Kansas State on Saturday.
West Virginia (20-5, 8-4 Big 12) struggled at the start making two of its first eight shots from the field over the first 4 minutes, but the Mountaineers then went on a 12-1 run to take the lead.
Kansas State rallied to tie the game at 34 at halftime.
After a 3-pointer by Xavier Sneed early in the second half, the Wildcats (16-9, 5-7) went on a cold snap from the field that lasted over 6 minutes. West Virginia capitalized and held a 13-point lead midway through the second half.
Kansas State never recovered.
Fouls dominated the game, as 56 were called throughout the game although no player fouled out.
Nathan Adrian added 11 points for West Virginia.
Wesley Iwundu led five Wildcats in double figures with 14 points.
BIG PICTURE
The NCAA Tournament selection committee announced that West Virginia was the 14th overall seed in their bracket preview. The Mountaineers would be a 4 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Tournament if the season ended today. The SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. is hosting the West Region on March 23 & 25.
BURSTING THE BUBBLE
Kansas State does not have any more games against teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25 remaining on their schedule. With tough games against Iowa State, Oklahoma State, and TCU looming, it is unlikely the Wildcats can escape the bubble before the Big 12 Tournament in March.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Along with their lackluster win at Oklahoma on Wednesday, expect West Virginia to possibly enter the top 10 when the AP Poll is released Monday.
UP NEXT
Kansas State hosts Iowa State on Wednesday night.
West Virginia travels to take on No. 3 Kansas on Monday night.