The West Virginia Mountaineers faced a tough challenge against the 16th-ranked Kansas State Wildcats, culminating in a nail-biting finish with the final score of 65-62. The Mountaineers' season record now stands at an unmentioned number of victories and defeats, while the Wildcats improve their tally to an equally unspecified count.

Mar 9, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers forward Kylee Blacksten (14) shoots the ball while defended by Kansas State Wildcats guard Zyanna Walker (1) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports

The game started off strong for the Mountaineers as they took an early lead with 23 points in the first quarter compared to the Wildcats' 17. However, momentum shifted in the second quarter when West Virginia only managed to add 8 points to their total, allowing Kansas State to tie up by halftime with each team scoring a cumulative of 31 points. The third quarter saw a resurgence from West Virginia as they put up another impressive 17 points but still found themselves trailing by two going into the final stretch due to Kansas State's consistent performance.

West Virginia's offense was led by their field goal shooting; they made 21 out of their total 54 attempts, resulting in a field goal percentage of about 39 percent. From beyond the arc, they were slightly more efficient, hitting eight out of twenty-one three-point attempts which translates to roughly a 38 percent success rate. At the free-throw line, they secured about 71 percent of their shots making twelve free throws out of seventeen attempts.

Mar 9, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard JJ Quinerly (11) shoots the ball against Kansas State Wildcats center Ayoka Lee (50) during the first half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports

Defensively, West Virginia managed eleven steals over Kansas State's four but couldn't capitalize on blocks as both teams ended without any player being ejected or fouled out during play. The Mountaineers did struggle on rebounds though; they gathered only twenty-one compared to thirty-five by Kansas State which proved critical down the stretch.

Kansas State showcased strong offensive efficiency throughout all four quarters and particularly excelled inside painting where they scored forty-two points. Their shooting was formidable; hitting approximately fifty-seven percent from field goals and sixty-four percent from two-point range showed why they are one among ranked teams this season.

Mar 9, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas State Wildcats guard Zyanna Walker (1) shoots the ball while defended by West Virginia Mountaineers forward Kylee Blacksten (14) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports

As for pivotal plays that could have swung momentum further in favor for either side: West Virginia capitalized on turnovers scoring eighteen points off them while also maintaining an assists turnover ratio close to one (0.8). However, it was not enough against Kansas State’s higher assists turnover ratio (0.95) and better ball distribution that resulted in eighteen assists.

In conclusion, despite falling short this time around at T-Mobile Center before an audience numbering six thousand six hundred ten fans – all eager for Big Twelve action – there is no doubt that fans will be eagerly anticipating future matchups between these two competitive sides.

Fans can look forward to continued coverage as we follow West Virginia’s journey through what promises be another exciting season ahead.

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