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Can the Mountaineers secure their NCAA Tournament spot with a stunning win? West Virginia basketball showcased incredible determination in their latest matchup, edging out Utah with a thrilling score of 71-69. This victory not only marks their fourth road win in the highly competitive Big 12 conference but also significantly bolsters their standing as they march toward the NCAA Tournament.
In an intense game filled with ups and downs, West Virginia (18-12, 9-10 Big 12) fought back from an eight-point deficit early in the second half. Their comeback was fueled by a commanding 7-0 run in the final minutes, demonstrating their resilience and grit, traits that head coach Darian DeVries proudly highlighted in the postgame debrief.
“That was a fun ending again,” DeVries remarked. “We came out and we didn’t have much that first 15 minutes. I don’t know what the factors are, long road trip, whatever it may be. But what I was really proud of is that they bounced back.”
This victory was no small feat. The game started with Utah (16-14, 8-11 Big 12) quickly establishing a commanding 12-point lead. However, the Mountaineers swiftly responded with a powerful 10-0 run to close the gap, showcasing their competitive spirit. West Virginia briefly took the lead before halftime thanks to a clutch three-pointer from Javon Small, sending them into the break with a narrow 30-29 advantage.
After a challenging first half, center Eduardo Andre returned after suffering an injury earlier in the game, playing a pivotal role throughout the remainder. Despite battling physical discomfort, Andre contributed four points and three rebounds, embodying the team’s fighting spirit.
The second half saw both teams trading leads with intensity. After Utah regained the lead with an 8-0 run, West Virginia responded in style. With four minutes remaining and the score tied at 58, the Mountaineers executed three consecutive scoring plays, including a crucial three-pointer from Small, advancing their lead to a crucial five-point margin.
As the game reached its thrilling conclusion, Utah fought valiantly to narrow the gap, ultimately bringing the score to a nail-biting 71-69. A late three-pointer from the Utes set the stage for dramatic finishes, but despite their efforts, West Virginia held on for the vital win. Small’s performance was especially noteworthy, leading the Mountaineers with 18 points and seven assists, playing a key role in both scoring and playmaking.
With this victory, West Virginia now stands with six Quad 1 victories in the NCAA NET ratings, a crucial factor as they prepare for the upcoming NCAA Tournament selection process. This win isn’t just a number on the board; it’s a testament to the hard work, teamwork, and sheer grit displayed by the Mountaineers.
As they prepare to return home for their sold-out Senior Day matchup against UCF, the excitement and anticipation among fans and players alike is palpable. With the tip-off set for 5 p.m. at the Coliseum, Mountaineer fans will undoubtedly be cheering their team on as they strive to secure their position in the tournament and continue their journey toward an exciting postseason.
This season has been a rollercoaster, but games like this prove that the Mountaineers have the heart and determination to go far. Will they continue their winning streak? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Mountaineers are ready to fight for every point.
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