Reality television.

 

What was once niche programming has become a staple for the networks over the last decade or so. American Idol, Survivor, the Voice … the list goes on and on. Reality television has become so popular, one could probably argue at this point, it is the norm and any other type of show is the niche programming.

 

With the popularity of this brand of television is it any wonder why networks are willing to fork over billions of dollars for live sports programming? If "manufactured reality" works, it stands to reason that actual reality should be even more popular, right?

 

To back up this claim, I give you as exhibit A, Monday's basketball game between Kansas and West Virginia. There is no reality TV as good as sports. This is proven time and again and was on full display Monday night at the Coliseum.

 

On the surface this was a compelling late season matchup. Two ranked teams, one of the most storied programs in America and two future hall of fame coaches. You would think basketball fans would be interested in this game just based on those factors.

 

However, it would have been fairly easy to write off WVU heading into this game: Losses in four of its last five games, none closer than 17 points; a struggling offense; a defense that was having trouble stopping anyone and a crippling snow storm hammering the state just a few hours before tipoff was sure to dampen the notorious loud Coliseum crowd. What was expected to be a raucous, capacity crowd would certainly not be that intimidating if half of the people showed up, right?

 

Oh, and the opponent was none other than 10-time defending Big 12 champion and current (as of tipoff Monday) number one RPI team, Kansas.

 

Cue the cliches. This is why you play the games.

 

The weather did affect the crowd. The announced attendance was only 7,033. But, the students compensated for the small number of people by being as loud and engaged as I can remember this year. They were into it from the start and clearly provided a boost to the team. That was no more evident than down the stretch when it was obvious multiple Mountaineer players didn't have much left in their tanks. The crowd was great and provided the energy needed to finish the game.

 

On the court, West Virginia returned to the team we saw earlier in the season. It was the aggressor early. Bullying Kansas and clearly rattling the Jayhawks' young guards.

 

As good, well-coached teams do, Kansas settled down and handled the press fairly well, but a tone was set early that carried throughout the game. 

 

West Virginia returned to the formula that had led it to such a great start. Take more shots than the opponent (WVU took 15 more shots than KU), rebound (22 offensive rebounds) and limit your own turnovers (West Virginia only had 10).

 

The Mountaineers hung around and refused to quit even as Kansas seemed to take control of things late. Two big three pointers by freshman Jevon Carter and of course, the coast-to-coast, spinning layup by Juwan Staten to win the game will be remembered as one of the best finishes in West Virginia history.

 

It's amazing how winning one game changes perception. After last Saturday there was every reason in the world to be concerned about West Virginia's postseason hopes. One win later and suddenly it feels as if the Mountaineers may not be done winning in the regular season, let alone the postseason. Cue another cliché … winning cures everything.

 

The victory over Kansas was big in a number of ways. Eight league wins in the best league in America (with five games still to play), an RPI in the mid-20s with a chance to improve and a win over the Kansas late in the season, help make the West Virginia resume an attractive one. So exhale Mountaineer nation. You will be watching this team play come Big Dance time.

 

The last few weeks have been tough, but after the huge win on Monday, you should have renewed hope and enthusiasm as we head down the stretch of the 2014-15 season.

 

Keep watching the best reality show on television.

 

Editor's Note: Photos from WVU's win over Kansas by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.