KANSAS CITY - For the second straight year, West Virginia advanced to the finals of the Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship, and for the second time the Mountaineers came up short, this year falling to Iowa State 80-74.
In 2016, West Virginia reached the finals before falling to Kansas, 81-71.
Playing before a predominantly pro-Iowa State crowd that cheered every good play made by the Cyclones, West Virginia (26-8) was unable to slow down Iowa State’s Monte Morris, who scored 17, and Deonte Burton, who contributed 16.
“They’re good. They’ve got a bunch of guys that can handle the ball and a bunch of guys that can shoot the ball,” West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said.