Full Breakdown
West Virginia Mountaineers Upset No. 22 Kansas Jayhawks 86-75
1/10/2026, 10:31:12 PM
Game Overview: West Virginia's Second-Half Surge
On January 10, 2026, the West Virginia Mountaineers defeated the No. 22 Kansas Jayhawks 86-75 in a Big 12 Conference matchup held at Hope Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia. This victory marked West Virginia's third consecutive win over Kansas, improving their record to 11-5 (2-1 Big 12), while Kansas fell to 11-5 (1-2 Big 12).
The game was tightly contested in the first half, with Kansas leading 43-39 at halftime. Kansas extended its lead to 59-51 early in the second half, but West Virginia responded with a decisive 16-0 run, taking control of the game and leading 67-59 with 8:36 remaining. The Mountaineers maintained their advantage, ultimately winning by 11 points.
Key Performers
Honor Huff was instrumental for West Virginia, scoring 23 points, with 17 of those coming in the second half. Brenen Lorient contributed 18 points and six assists, while Treysen Eaglestaff added 12 points. Harlan Obioha recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
For Kansas, freshman Darryn Peterson led the scoring with 23 points, despite struggling in the second half. Tre White added 18 points, and Melvin Council Jr. chipped in 11 points. Peterson's performance was notable, but he faced challenges with foul trouble and fatigue, limiting his effectiveness late in the game.
Defensive Adjustments and Impact
West Virginia's defense, which had allowed Kansas to score 30 points in the paint during the first half, tightened significantly in the second half. The Mountaineers held Kansas to just 31% shooting (9 of 29) after halftime, forcing the Jayhawks to rely on perimeter shots. This defensive adjustment was crucial in West Virginia's ability to mount their comeback.
Head coach Ross Hodge emphasized the importance of discipline in their game plan, stating, “I thought our gameplan discipline got better as the game went on.” The Mountaineers effectively limited Kansas's scoring opportunities, particularly in the paint, which had been a significant source of points for the Jayhawks.
Criticism of Kansas' Performance
Kansas coach Bill Self expressed frustration with his team's performance, particularly in the second half. He noted, “We were very poor... They backed us down, our guards down, on the post, and we didn’t give much resistance at all.” The Jayhawks' inability to maintain their early momentum and their struggles on the defensive end were highlighted as key factors in the loss.
What's Next for Both Teams
Following this defeat, Kansas will host No. 3 Iowa State on January 13, 2026, in a critical matchup as they seek to improve their standing in the Big 12. Meanwhile, West Virginia will face No. 7 Houston on January 13, aiming to build on their momentum from this significant victory.
This win not only boosts West Virginia's confidence but also serves as a reminder of their competitive capabilities within the conference, especially at home.
