MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - Travis Releford and Jeff Withey both scored 15 points and No. 2 Kansas nearly relinquished a double-digit lead before beating West Virginia 61-56 on Monday night to extend the nation's longest winning streak to 18 games.

Kansas (19-1, 7-0 Big 12) shot 54 percent from the field in the first-ever meeting between the schools. The Jayhawks have held their last six opponents under 60 points.

Ben McLemore added 13 points for Kansas.

Aaric Murray led West Virginia (9-11, 2-5) with 17 points and Juwan Staten added 14.

West Virginia used several steals to trim a 15-point deficit to eight at halftime but never took the lead in the second half.