The third-ranked Kansas Jayhawks did what needed to be done, securing a 76-74 victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers on Saturday inside Allen Fieldhouse.
With the way Saturday’s schedule worked out, KU knew what a win over WVU meant a few minutes into the game. Texas was crushed by Baylor in Waco, meaning the Jayhawks (24-5, 12-4 Big 12) now stand alone atop the league standings heading into the final week of the regular season. KU can clinch at least a share of the conference title with a home win over Texas Tech on Tuesday.
While Kansas completed the season sweep of West Virginia, it was far from a perfect performance by a KU squad that has now won six in a row. The Mountaineers (16-13, 5-11 Big 12), who were a double-digit underdog via the betting odds, actually went back-and-forth with the Jayhawks for much of the afternoon.
Early on, point guard Dajuan Harris Jr. served as the biggest bright spot amid a sluggish start by the home team. Harris forced four turnovers within the first four minutes of the game, and set a career-high in steals before the final media timeout of the first half. His active hands on the defensive end led to points in transition, including for himself.
Harris’ offensive highlight in the first half came on his first dunk of the season, thanks to a steal and a pass via K.J. Adams.
things we like to see ???? pic.twitter.com/FOc1HFzyOt
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) February 25, 2023
The rest of the first half was a sloppy showing by both teams, as well as the officials who called eight different offensive fouls within the first 20 minutes. While Kansas grabbed a 35-33 lead at the break, West Virginia jumped back in front early in the second half.
KU’s signature run did eventually come with roughly 15 minutes left to play, scoring seven unanswered points to help create some cushion. Adams and Harris linked up for an alley-oop, which was then followed up by a Gradey Dick 3-pointer from the corner.
that’s 3️⃣ threes for GD ???? pic.twitter.com/wpw7LhTCRj
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) February 25, 2023
The Jayhawks never relinquished the lead after that, though the Mountaineers certainly hung around in what turned out to be a Big 12 grinder of a game that wasn’t fully decided until the very end.
Kevin McCullar Jr. once again made a number of key plays down the stretch to help Kansas prevail. He banked in a 3-pointer with the shot clock expiring, recorded multiple steals, and even managed to draw a charge on one of West Virginia’s final possessions.
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Box score: Kansas 76, West Virginia 74
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With Harris suffering an injury late in the game, the Jayhawks missed him the most while clinging to a one-point lead in the final minute against the Mountaineers’ pressure defense. After a free throw by Wilson, Kansas wrapped up the game by preventing West Virginia from getting a shot off on the final play of the game.
Harris led the team with 17 points, six assists, and six steals in the win. Dick and McCullar each added 16 apiece. Adams recorded 13, while Wilson finished with 11 to provide a balanced attack for the Jayhawks.
Kansas will host Texas Tech on Tuesday.
