Kansas State-West Virginia basketball preview

12:30 p.m. Saturday at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kan.

KMCI (Ch. 38); WHB (810 AM)

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The Mountaineers came oh so close to a 3-0 start in Big 12 play before falling to Oklahoma State 73-72 at home. That loss appeared to have lasting repercussions on the Mountaineers, who lost to Texas by double digits two days later. West Virginia has been in several games with quality competition this season, losing close games to Wisconsin, Gonzaga, Purdue and Oklahoma State, but it hasn’t been able to capitalize in those games. Juwan Staten and Eron Harris are two of the best guards in the Big 12. They both average 17.4 points.

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The Wildcats have won 11 of their last 12, and they are coming off a dramatic victory over Oklahoma in which they trailed by six with 5 minutes, 30 seconds remaining. Wesley Iwundu and Nino Williams have given K-State a lift in recent games. Williams came a rebound shy of a double-double against Oklahoma, while Iwundu had 11 points and six rebounds. Will Spradling, Marcus Foster and Jevon Thomas will be tested on defense against West Virginia. How they defend Staten and Harris could have a big impact on the game. K-State will honor its 1964 Final Four team at halftime.

This is the type of game K-State needs to win to stay on track for the NCAA Tournament. A solid effort should be enough for a victory.

This story was originally published January 17, 2014 at 5:29 PM with the headline "Kansas State-West Virginia basketball preview."