West Virginia had a strong first half against UCF, building a 27-point lead. However, the Knights mounted a comeback in the second half, cutting the lead to just three points. Head coach Darian DeVries emphasized the importance of avoiding such situations as the regular season ends and tournament time approaches.
Despite offensive struggles in the second half, the Mountaineers were able to hold on for the win. DeVries praised the team’s ability to stay composed and make crucial plays, including key offensive rebounds and threes by freshman Jonathan Powell.
The victory secured West Virginia the eighth seed in the Big 12 Tournament and a likely spot in the NCAA field. Players like Javon Small and Eduardo Andre, who had never played in the NCAA Tournament before, were proud to achieve this milestone. Now, the team’s focus is on playing their best basketball in the upcoming games.
DeVries highlighted the importance of finishing strong and aiming to play as long as possible in the postseason. The Mountaineers’ ability to close out tight games will be crucial as they continue their tournament journey.
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