Late-Game Collapse, Bigger Questions: Inside Kansas State’s Loss at West Virginia

Another finish slips away, roster excuses surface, and Jerome Tang’s comments spark deeper concerns about the program’s direction.

Kansas State’s 59–54 loss at West Virginia wasn’t just another mark in the loss column — it became a flashpoint.

In this episode of 3MAW, Cole Manbeck and Derek Young break down a familiar script: a late lead, critical mistakes, and an inability to execute when it matters most. Up 49–45 with under five minutes to play, the Wildcats managed just five points the rest of the way while surrendering second-chance opportunities that flipped the game.

But the postgame discussion goes far beyond missed shots and blown possessions. Jerome Tang’s comments after the game — pointing to changing rules and missing players — drew sharp scrutiny. The hosts question whether injuries truly explain the struggles, noting Kansas State’s lack of depth despite significant resources and a roster built largely through short-term solutions.

The episode dives into recurring late-game issues, questionable lineup decisions, and a growing disconnect between coaching philosophy and on-court results. There’s also a broader look at roster construction, the abandonment of high school recruiting, and why other programs seem to be adapting just fine in the same landscape.

Blunt, detailed, and unfiltered, this conversation captures the frustration surrounding Kansas State basketball right now — and asks the uncomfortable questions fans are already thinking about as the season continues to slide.