Written by Ernie Casanova
Orlando, FL - After a highly underestimated team proved its worth, West Virginia survived one heck of a scare against Marist, finishing them off in the closing moments with a score 84-78.
The Mountaineers got off to somewhat of a slow start. On their first couple of possessions, Marist made it a little difficult for them to drive to the basket. WVU finally scored their first basket 2 minutes into the game, although they did have a point from a free throw attempt. It was a 5-3 Marist lead when WVU starting guard Jevon Carter put up a contested three point attempt that went in easily. That was the turning point for the team as the crowd’s infectious noise and support drove this team to play competitively.
West Virginia had forced 11 turnovers within the first 12 minutes of the game. They capitalized on these opportunities as they scored 14 points off of each error. Minor error in their game plan at the beginning was that with all of the turnovers, they still only went 13 of 39 from the floor and 3 of 20 from three point range in the entire first half. WVU Forward Sagaba Konate got off to a fast start, draining four of his first six shots for 10 points in the first half. Carter got off his first shot smoothly to start the game, but went quiet for the rest of the first half, notching nine points on 2 of 6 shooting.
Starting guard Daxter Miles Jr. tallied 12 points of his own, along with 7 assists and 7 rebounds adding a spectacular presence in the area of ball movement. Konate added to his big first half by attaining a double-double, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Carter was still quiet for most parts of the game, but put forth some serviceable numbers and when it was needed most. He finished to game with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists as he led the team in recognizable fashion. He hurried his teammates to get back on defense after scores and made sure they were ready for every play. The leadership helped the Mountaineers overcome a very slow start, and while he was silently leading, forward Wesley Harris was creating all the noise with powerhouse dunks from left to right.
As the game went on, the Mountaineers started to find their rhythm. WVU guard James Bolden finished the first half by draining a momentous three pointer that was felt for the rest of the game, and he finished with 8 points. A 20-6 run to cap the first half propelled the Mountaineers to slip away from a Marist team that came out fighting early and worried some of the WVU fans here in Orlando, FL.
Marist was led by starting guard David Knudsen, as he had 19 points and 2 assists. Second for the Red Foxes was Brian Parker, totaling 14 points with 2 assists. 24 turnovers dwindled the Red Foxes’ chances as they scored only 11 points off of turnovers, compared to WVU’S 26. After the game, Marist coach Mike Maker says of his team’s effort: “First of all I’m a very proud coach. That’s the most passion a team in our program has showed in my tenure here. I thought tonight was the first time that as a team and a program that we did that.”
West Virginia will move on to face UCF in the semifinal Friday at 5:00 PM ET.
Marist will go on to face Nebraska in hopes of the consolation game Friday as well at 7:00 PM ET.
The Mountaineers got off to somewhat of a slow start. On their first couple of possessions, Marist made it a little difficult for them to drive to the basket. WVU finally scored their first basket 2 minutes into the game, although they did have a point from a free throw attempt. It was a 5-3 Marist lead when WVU starting guard Jevon Carter put up a contested three point attempt that went in easily. That was the turning point for the team as the crowd’s infectious noise and support drove this team to play competitively.
West Virginia had forced 11 turnovers within the first 12 minutes of the game. They capitalized on these opportunities as they scored 14 points off of each error. Minor error in their game plan at the beginning was that with all of the turnovers, they still only went 13 of 39 from the floor and 3 of 20 from three point range in the entire first half. WVU Forward Sagaba Konate got off to a fast start, draining four of his first six shots for 10 points in the first half. Carter got off his first shot smoothly to start the game, but went quiet for the rest of the first half, notching nine points on 2 of 6 shooting.
Starting guard Daxter Miles Jr. tallied 12 points of his own, along with 7 assists and 7 rebounds adding a spectacular presence in the area of ball movement. Konate added to his big first half by attaining a double-double, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Carter was still quiet for most parts of the game, but put forth some serviceable numbers and when it was needed most. He finished to game with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists as he led the team in recognizable fashion. He hurried his teammates to get back on defense after scores and made sure they were ready for every play. The leadership helped the Mountaineers overcome a very slow start, and while he was silently leading, forward Wesley Harris was creating all the noise with powerhouse dunks from left to right.
As the game went on, the Mountaineers started to find their rhythm. WVU guard James Bolden finished the first half by draining a momentous three pointer that was felt for the rest of the game, and he finished with 8 points. A 20-6 run to cap the first half propelled the Mountaineers to slip away from a Marist team that came out fighting early and worried some of the WVU fans here in Orlando, FL.
Marist was led by starting guard David Knudsen, as he had 19 points and 2 assists. Second for the Red Foxes was Brian Parker, totaling 14 points with 2 assists. 24 turnovers dwindled the Red Foxes’ chances as they scored only 11 points off of turnovers, compared to WVU’S 26. After the game, Marist coach Mike Maker says of his team’s effort: “First of all I’m a very proud coach. That’s the most passion a team in our program has showed in my tenure here. I thought tonight was the first time that as a team and a program that we did that.”
West Virginia will move on to face UCF in the semifinal Friday at 5:00 PM ET.
Marist will go on to face Nebraska in hopes of the consolation game Friday as well at 7:00 PM ET.