Flat.  Uninspired.  Emotionless.  These are words that could describe the West Virginia Mountaineers for most of the game as they barely survived tonight against the Northern Iowa Panthers in the Cancun Challenge by a score of 60-55.  Down 15 in the 2nd half, the Mountaineers battled back and survived the upset bid by the Panthers to move to 5-0.

The Mountaineers were led by Freshman Miles McBride, who hit several key shots late in the 2nd half and finished with 19 points and 5 assists.  For a team that desperately needs a leader, the Freshman McBride looks like as good of a candidate as anyone.

Jermaine Haley added 10 points and 7 rebounds.  West Virginia’s two big men struggled throughout the game.  Derek Culver had 3 points on 0-5 shooting and 15 rebounds, while Oscar Tshiebwe was in foul trouble most of the game and only had 6 points and 2 rebounds.

The undefeated Mountaineers will next play tomorrow night at 8:30 against  Wichita State before returning home on Sunday, December 1st at 2PM.  The game will be shown ATSN.

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