The atmosphere at WVU Coliseum was electric on January 10, 2026, as the West Virginia Mountaineers hosted the No. 22 Kansas Jayhawks in a pivotal Big 12 Conference matchup. With tip-off at 12 p.m. ET and a national audience tuning in on FOX, anticipation was sky-high for a clash that promised intensity, drama, and no shortage of storylines. Kansas entered the contest as a 3.5-point favorite, but the Mountaineers, undefeated at home this season, were determined to defend their fortress and add another chapter to their growing rivalry with the Jayhawks.
Both teams came into the game with identical 1-1 records in conference play. Kansas, sporting an 11-4 overall record, was fresh off a thrilling 104-100 overtime victory against TCU. Darryn Peterson, a key figure for the Jayhawks, had delivered clutch free throws to force overtime in that game, though he sat out the extra period due to cramps. The Jayhawks’ defensive prowess was well-noted, ranked 12th on KenPom, but recent performances raised concerns as they had allowed easy buckets in conference matchups. The chemistry between Peterson and Melvin Council Jr. was under the microscope, with questions swirling about their ability to be productive together on the court.
West Virginia, at 10-5 overall, had momentum on their side after a gritty 62-60 win over Cincinnati. The Mountaineers’ defense was among the nation’s elite, ranked second in the Big 12 and fifth nationally by allowing just 61.5 points per game. However, their rebounding numbers left something to be desired, ranking near the bottom of the conference. Honor Huff, West Virginia’s dynamic 5-foot-10 guard, was lighting it up from beyond the arc, averaging 17 points per game and connecting on 41% of his ten three-point attempts per contest. His reputation as a fearless shooter was well-earned; 145 of his 173 field goal attempts had come from deep. Meanwhile, Chance Moore, the team’s second-leading scorer at 13 points per game, had notched double-figure outings in eight of his nine appearances, providing another offensive spark.
The opening minutes reflected the tension and stakes. Kansas, hoping to establish dominance early, found themselves struggling to get Darryn Peterson into rhythm. Despite holding a slim lead with about 11 and a half minutes remaining before halftime, the Jayhawks had yet to connect from long range, while West Virginia started to gain confidence from behind the arc. Brenen Lorient chipped in nine points, helping the Mountaineers keep things tight late in the first half.
As the first half wore on, both teams grappled with foul trouble. Kansas’ Bryson Tiller picked up his fourth foul, while Flory Bidunga added three of his own, limiting the Jayhawks’ interior presence. On the West Virginia side, two starters found themselves with three fouls apiece, setting the stage for a physical and unpredictable second half.
The Mountaineers’ home crowd roared as West Virginia began to seize control in the second half. Kansas, so often the aggressor in these high-stakes games, suddenly found themselves on the back foot. The Jayhawks hit just two of their last 14 shots during a crucial stretch, and a scoring drought of more than five minutes allowed West Virginia to embark on a game-changing 22-5 run. The Mountaineers also strung together a 13-0 surge, turning a tight contest into a comfortable lead with about four minutes left in regulation. Kansas simply couldn’t buy a bucket, missing eight straight shots at one point as the Mountaineers’ defense tightened the screws.
Darryn Peterson did his best to keep Kansas afloat, finishing with 20 points and six rebounds, and continuing to make the most of his free-throw opportunities. Foul trouble, however, hampered his ability to take over the game down the stretch. Melvin Council Jr., who had been especially productive in the absence of Peterson in previous games, struggled to find his footing as the Mountaineers’ defense keyed in on the Jayhawks’ primary threats.
Honor Huff, living up to his billing as a sharpshooter, kept the Kansas defense honest. His willingness to pull up from anywhere on the court forced the Jayhawks to extend their coverage, opening up opportunities for teammates like Chance Moore, who continued his streak of double-digit scoring games. The Mountaineers’ ability to hit timely three-pointers proved decisive, as they shot almost 50% from the field and knocked down 11 triples, according to the postgame analysis.
As the clock ticked down, West Virginia fed off the energy of their home crowd, maintaining a comfortable lead and sealing a statement 86-75 victory over Kansas. The win preserved the Mountaineers’ perfect home record (now 11-0) and marked their third consecutive home triumph. For Kansas, the loss was a tough pill to swallow, especially after holding a lead early and entering the game as favorites. The defeat also raised questions about their late-game execution and ability to weather adversity on the road in the rugged Big 12.
Looking at the numbers, Kansas’ scoring differential entering the game had been +161, outscoring opponents by 10.8 points per game while averaging 77.7 points per contest. Yet, against West Virginia’s stifling defense, the Jayhawks’ offense sputtered at the worst possible moments. The Mountaineers, with a +189 scoring differential and an average of 74.1 points per game, showcased their balance by holding Kansas to just 75 points and dominating key stretches of the second half.
The historical context added extra weight to the outcome. West Virginia had now won three straight home games against Kansas, improving their record to 8-5 against the Jayhawks at WVU Coliseum. The Mountaineers’ ability to protect their home court has become a defining trait, and this win only solidified their reputation as a formidable opponent in Morgantown.
For Kansas, the focus now shifts to regrouping and addressing the recurring issues that have plagued them in conference play—namely, defensive lapses and the need for consistent production from their stars in crunch time. The Jayhawks’ recent schedule had seen them notch a blowout win over Davidson and a thrilling overtime triumph against TCU, but also suffer a road loss to UCF. The Big 12 grind continues, and Kansas will need to rediscover their identity quickly if they hope to remain in the national conversation.
West Virginia, meanwhile, will look to build on this signature win as they continue their campaign in one of college basketball’s toughest conferences. With Honor Huff’s shooting, Chance Moore’s scoring consistency, and a defense that ranks among the nation’s best, the Mountaineers have positioned themselves as a legitimate threat as the season rolls on. The energy in Morgantown is palpable, and if this performance is any indication, West Virginia’s home court will remain one of the most intimidating venues in college basketball.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Mountaineers celebrated a victory that not only preserved their perfect home record but also sent a clear message to the rest of the Big 12: West Virginia is here to compete, and no visiting team can take a win in Morgantown for granted.
