By: Justin “Couz” Walker | WV Sports Chat
The Big 12 gauntlet continues this Tuesday as the WVU men’s basketball team (13-7, 4-3) returns to the friendly (and loud) confines of the Hope Coliseum to host the Kansas State Wildcats (10-10, 1-6).
Both teams are coming off tough weekend losses. WVU fell in blowout fashion to top-ranked Arizona and K-State dropped the Sunflower Showdown to Kansas. With the mid-season grind in full effect, this Tuesday night matchup is a big opportunity for both squads.
The Matchup at a Glance
• When: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 8:30 PM EST
• Where: Hope Coliseum – Morgantown, WV
• TV: FS1
WVU is looking to protect an undefeated home record this season, while K-State is desperate to snap a conference skid and find some momentum on the road.
This game features a fascinating “strength vs. strength” dynamic. Ross Hodge’s Mountaineer squad has established itself as one of the premier defensive teams in the country, allowing just 64.3 points per game. Only Houston has been harder to score against in the Big 12.
On the other side, Kansas State brings a high-octane offense led by PJ Haggerty. Haggerty is a walking bucket, averaging over 23 points per game. He excels at drawing fouls and living at the free-throw line. If WVU’s defense can remain disciplined and stay out of foul trouble, they have the edge.
WVU’s offensive engine often starts and ends with senior guard Honor Huff. While the team struggled against Arizona on Saturday, Huff remains one of the most lethal three-point shooters in the nation (making 3.6 three-pointers per game).
Kansas State has struggled to contain perimeter threats lately. They allowed Kansas to shoot over 50% from the floor. If Huff and Treysen Eaglestaff can find their rhythm early, the Morgantown crowd could make it a very long night for Jerome Tang’s Wildcats.
It’s no secret that winning in Morgantown is a tough task. WVU basketball enters this game undefeated at home this season. Kansas State, meanwhile, has struggled with roster continuity and injuries, resulting in a 1-6 conference start. For K-State to pull the upset, they’ll need more than just Haggerty. They will need a big scoring night from someone like David Castillo or Nate Johnson.
Key Players to Watch
Kanas State
- PJ Haggerty: 23.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
West Virginia
- Honor Huff: 16.3 points-per-game
- Treysen Eaglestaff: 10.6 points per game (18.3 in last three games)
- Jasper Floyd: 1.9 steals per game
West Virginia is the more balanced team right now, especially on the defensive end. While K-State has the individual talent to keep it close, the Mountaineers’ ability to defend without fouling should be the difference-maker. Expect a physical, gritty Big 12 battle where WVU uses its home-court advantage to pull away in the second half.
Prediction: West Virginia by 8.
Keep it right here at WV Sports Chat for continued coverage of WVU basketball.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics
