MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia Mountaineers men’s basketball team showcased their prowess against Oklahoma State, securing a decisive 69-50 victory on Saturday. Senior point guard Javon Small, playing against his former team, delivered a stellar performance, recording 24 points and 11 rebounds, marking his second consecutive double-double.
The game was played before a vibrant crowd of 11,753 at the WVU Coliseum, where Small’s efforts were instrumental. The Mountaineers jumped to an impressive lead early on, with their defense stifling the Cowboys’ offense. Oklahoma State struggled, shooting just 25% from the field during the first half. Small stated post-game, “Another game, another opponent,” reflecting his focus amid personal stakes.
The game commenced with both teams battling through turnovers, but West Virginia quickly gained momentum after making three consecutive three-pointers, led by Small and freshman Jonathan Powell, who finished with 17 points, hitting five from beyond the arc. The Mountaineers surged forward, culminating in a remarkable 22-1 run during the middle of the first half, establishing a commanding 30-7 lead.
Trailing 46-19 at halftime, Oklahoma State, now 8-5 overall and 0-2 in the Big 12, faced mounting pressure. West Virginia took advantage of its opportunities and capitalized on Oklahoma State’s mistakes, forcing 10 turnovers before intermission. Sencire Harris, who scored nine points after entering the game struggling with his shot, found his rhythm, hitting 2 for 4 from three-point range.
During halftime, the Mountaineers were not just dominant defensively; they also showcased their shooting ability, burying eight three-pointers, compared to the Cowboys’ seven field goals. The first half saw Small nearly reach his scoring average, totaling 18 points before halftime.
Despite owning such a large lead, the Mountaineers experienced some setbacks when play resumed. Oklahoma State showed improvement, pulling within 13 points late in the second half. Their offensive resurgence was led by strong performances from various team members, but West Virginia managed to maintain control and seal their victory with key plays down the stretch.
Small experienced the challenge of keeping the momentum alive. Coach Darian DeVries noted the shift after halftime, saying, “We certainly took our foot off the gas.” West Virginia struggled to find their rhythm, going just one for ten from the field during one stretch of play. Nonetheless, timely three-pointers from Powell helped the Mountaineers regain their footing and stay on top.
From this victory, West Virginia not only improved their record to 11-2 and 2-0 within the Big 12 Conference but also marked their best start in league play since the 2017-18 season. The Mountaineers are aiming to maintain their positive momentum as they prepare to face Arizona next, with the Wildcats making their first trip to Morgantown since 1950.
Earlier this season, the Mountaineers narrowly defeated No. 24 Arizona 83-76 during the Battle 4 Atlantis third-place game. Tickets for the highly anticipated matchup on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET are already available at WVUGAME.com, with the game set to broadcast on ESPN+ and MSN.
For Oklahoma State, the loss compounds their struggles, having yet to find success within the Big 12 this season. Pat Suemnick, a former Mountaineer now playing for Oklahoma State, recorded three points and three rebounds off the bench. The Cowboys’ challenges are evident as they grapple for answers on offense.
Overall, this matchup highlighted West Virginia’s growing confidence and team cohesion as they build momentum with each game. With standout performances like Small’s, the Mountaineers look poised to make waves this season.