When two top-10 teams square off in prime time, the rest of the college basketball universe makes a point to tune in and watch the show.
ESPN’s Big Monday matchup between No. 10 Kansas and No. 6 West Virginia wasn’t always the most visually appealing display, but the Jayhawks’ [unlikely rally for a rare “Country Road” win][1] made it a captivating finish.
For the more prominent viewers — some former KU players, others national college basketball writers and analysts — the battle between two of the Big 12’s top teams and the Jayhawks’ first win at WVU Coliseum in five years not only proved entertaining but also telling.
Here are some of the social media reactions to KU’s 71-66 win, from around college basketball, including a couple from Jayhawks who made it possible.
Yessirr Jayhawks, I like that! ??
— Frank Mason (@FrankMason0) January 16, 2018
Rock chalk. Way to go into Morgantown and get a big win……RCJH
— Mario Chalmers (@mchalmers15) January 16, 2018
Do what they say you can't ‼️??#NEVERTELLWHATISAW
— LaGerald “BOOMAIN” Vick (@Vicklovekicks) January 16, 2018
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd_4EaXHwP1/
Big time win Jayhawks!!!
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) January 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/tyshawntaylor/status/953121318261706752
KUCMB!!!! THANK YOU BROTHER @Devonte_Graham4 #Shhh
— t$unami (@KELLYOUBREJR) January 16, 2018
The reports of our death were greatly exaggerated! #Questfor14 #RockChalk
— Brett Ballard (@CoachBBallard) January 16, 2018
If Kansas steals this someone will try to blame the reffing in Allen Fieldhouse
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) January 16, 2018
I had finally come around to taking the field to unseat Kansas in the Big 12 this year. Then the flawed Jayhawks rise up, West Virginia shows signs of wilting at home, and now I don't know what to think again.
— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) January 16, 2018
Kansas better coached on offense than WVU
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) January 16, 2018
Whatever the result of this game Kansas has showed it is as mentally tough as any team in the country. Notice has been served.
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) January 16, 2018
Bill Self has questioned the toughness of this Kansas team. Jayhawks showed something tonight because you don't win in Morgantown without being tough.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) January 16, 2018
KU gonna win this damn league again.
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) January 16, 2018
Extraordinary road comeback wins for Kansas and Duke tonight. Thought both were toast.
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) January 16, 2018
Blue bloods out here straight robbing wins tonight.
— Jeff Eisenberg (@JeffEisenberg) January 16, 2018
Impressive impressive win by Kansas. Once more let’s stop talking about who else is gonna win the Big 12 until someone else wins the Big 12
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) January 16, 2018
Wow… @KUHoops just got a huge win on the road at @WVUhoops .. Graham was big time. @espn
— Jay Williams (@RealJayWilliams) January 16, 2018
I still think this is Bill Self's most vulnerable team in a strong Big 12. But no team plays with more pride than the Jayhawks. Just outhustled West Virginia. On the road. After they were down big. That's how you play with heart. They're gamers.
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) January 16, 2018
Devonte Graham looked like an All American tonight. That was something special. @TheAthleticCBB
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) January 16, 2018
That's a great road win for Kansas — but mostly a pathetic collapse by West Virginia. At home, with the Jayhawks on the ropes. Blew it. That should give Kentucky fans some hope for a couple of weeks from now.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) January 16, 2018
Over the last two seasons, Kansas is 15-1 in Big 12 games decided by single digits.
— John Gasaway (@JohnGasaway) January 16, 2018
Death. Taxes. Bill Self.
Could somebody check on @JonRothstein?
— Rush the Court (@rushthecourt) January 16, 2018
Who is this idiot https://t.co/jAtKZ00rJF
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) January 16, 2018
my wife gives me this look all the time https://t.co/5Hp1gAKVLc
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) January 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/AndyGlockner/status/953095371315556352
MOOD. #KUbball pic.twitter.com/dNj9iecdzv
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) January 16, 2018
[1]: http://www2.kusports.com/news/2018/jan/15/mountain-comeback-jayhawks-stun-west-virginia-move/