By Jayson Henderson

Kansas State emerged victorious over West Virginia on Tuesday night, clinching an 81-67 win. Junior guard Cam Carter scored 15 of his game-high 23 points in the latter half.

Trailing 42-40 at halftime, the Wildcats initiated a 17-5 run early in the second half, gaining control of the game and establishing their first double-digit lead with just over 13 minutes remaining. Four different players contributed to this run, with Carter and fellow junior Arthur Kaluma combining for 13 points.

Despite West Virginia’s attempts to narrow the gap, coming within 5 points on three occasions, the Wildcats responded with a decisive 12-2 run, squashing any hopes of a comeback and extending their lead to a game-high 15 points with 3:43 left to play.

West Virginia failed to come any closer than 8 points for the remainder of the game. Kansas State’s defense held West Virginia to just 25 points in the second half, with a shooting percentage of 30.8, including 18.2 percent from long range.

Carter led the Wildcats with his fourth 20-point game of the season, finishing 6-of-14 from the field and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. Kaluma and senior David N’Guessan each contributed 17 points, with N’Guessan achieving both his season and Big 12 high. Senior Will McNair Jr. nearly recorded a double-double with 12 points and a season-high 9 rebounds.

Redshirt freshman guard Dorian Finister tied his season-high with 6 points on 3-of-4 shooting, along with 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in just 22 minutes of play.

Despite the victory, West Virginia University maintains the lead in the all-time series at 16-11, including 15-10 in the Big 12 era. This win marks only the fourth time K-State has emerged victorious in Morgantown.