Kansas basketball kicks off conference play this afternoon on New Year’s Eve. The 9-2 Jayhawks are eager to play in front of the KU faithful after a week-long rest. However, their opponent suffered a major setback yesterday.

West Virginia’s journey to Allen Fieldhouse for its Big 12 opener against Kansas was anything but smooth. After a blown tire while landing, the Mountaineers were forced to delay their travel plans, not arriving at their hotel in Lawrence until after 2 a.m. CT. With a 1 p.m. tipoff looming, the quick turnaround only adds to the challenges facing head coach Darian DeVries and his team.

West Virginia suffers travel chaos on the way to Lawrence

The Mountaineers’ struggles aren’t limited to travel woes. Star guard Tucker DeVries and forward Amani Hansberry are both game-time decisions due to injuries. Against a Kansas team that boasts one of the most formidable homecourt advantages in college basketball, the deck is stacked against the visitors.

Bill Self has his sights set on another Big 12 title and certainly won’t take WVU lightly despite its issues. With Allen Fieldhouse’s raucous atmosphere expected to be in full force, the Mountaineers will need to dig deep to stay competitive.