Tarik Phillip leads WVU in comeback win over K-State, 51-50

Everyone in the entire state of West Virginia took a collective sigh of relief as the Kamau Stoke’s last chance three-pointer missed as time expired and the 11th-ranked Mountaineers beat Kansas State 51-50.

Stokes’ missed three came after Tarik Phillip tied the game up with a three of his own and Esa Ahmad hit one of two free throws to take the lead for the first time in nearly 33 minutes.

The win gives West Virginia (26-7) their second straight berth in the Big 12 Championship game.

The Mountaineers only shot 26.7% from the field through the whole game, their worst performance of the season.

Kansas State (20-13) has a little bit of sweating to do this weekend, as they remain on the bubble. It’s hard to imagine a win over Baylor and a one-point loss to WVU would keep them out, however.

Ahmad was the leading scorer with 15 points for the Mountaineers. Phillip added 13. Ahmad and Elijah Macon also finished with 10 rebounds.

West Virginia returns to action tomorrow to take on No. 23 Iowa State in the final of the Big 12 Tournament. Tip is set for 6:00 p.m. on ESPN.