MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a thrilling display of basketball, JJ Quinerly scored 26 points and Jordan Harrison contributed 18, leading No. 17 West Virginia to a 70-57 victory over the 12th-ranked Kansas State on Monday night. This win marks West Virginia’s impressive 15 consecutive victories on their home court.

The game showcased a clash between the top-ranking offense and defense within the Big 12, with Kansas State averaging 81.3 points per game while West Virginia had an impressive defensive record, conceding only 53.5 points per game.

West Virginia was ahead 57-49 when they stifled Kansas State’s shooting, allowing them to make just one of their next ten attempts over a six-minute stretch, which allowed the Mountaineers to extend their lead. The home team then scored seven consecutive baskets to increase their advantage to 70-51.

The Mountaineers’ defense was undoubtedly a critical factor, forcing Kansas State into a season-high total of 22 turnovers. Kansas State struggled offensively throughout the game, finishing with only 39.3% shooting from the field and making 5 of 20 attempts from beyond the arc.

Kyah Watson contributed significantly for West Virginia, registering a personal-best of 15 rebounds, along with four assists, four steals, and five points. Meanwhile, Jordan Thomas added 11 points to the scoreboard. For Kansas State, Temira Poindexter led the scoring with 17 points, while Zyanna Walker assisted with 12 points.

In the first half, Harrison managed 10 points, while Quinerly and Thomas each added nine, allowing West Virginia to maintain a slim 36-30 lead at halftime. Watson’s prowess in rebounding further solidified the Mountaineers’ control of the game.

Looking ahead, West Virginia will travel to face No. 10 TCU on Sunday, while Kansas State will return to their home court to take on Kansas this coming Saturday.