Kennard Davis Scores 20 to Propel BYU Over WVU
Kennard Davis Jr. delivered a standout performance that sparked BYU in a decisive 68-48 victory over West Virginia University (WVU) during the second round of the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament. The match took place on March 11, 2026, at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Kennard Davis Shines with Season-High Points
In a remarkable display, the 6-foot-6 junior from St. Louis scored a season-high 20 points, shooting an impressive 7 of 11 from the field. Davis was particularly effective from beyond the arc, converting 5 of 6 three-point attempts. His recent sharpshooting has seen him make nine of his last 11 three-point shots.
Strong Defense Leads to Offensive Opportunities
Davis credited his strong defensive play as the catalyst for his offensive success. He noted, “I just let my defense turn into offense,” highlighting the importance of teamwork and trust from his coach and teammates.
Defensive Highlights Against WVU
- Davis, along with teammate Khadim Mboup, effectively contained WVU’s leading scorer, Honor Huff.
- Huff, typically a strong contributor, struggled, finishing with only 17 points on 3 of 13 shooting.
- Most of Huff’s points came from the free-throw line, illustrating the effectiveness of BYU’s defense.
BYU’s Tournament Journey
BYU has showcased their resilience in the tournament, highlighted by recent victories. Davis previously scored 16 points in a win against No. 10 Texas Tech and contributed 15 points against Kansas State just prior to the game with WVU.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Davis and his teammates face a significant challenge in their next matchup against Houston. The Cougars are preparing for a rematch after suffering a loss to UH the previous year in the same tournament.
Davis expressed confidence in his team’s readiness: “We are having good games. We are used to the hoops.” With a solid routine established on the court, BYU aims to carry their momentum forward in the tournament.
