WHEELING, West Virginia — Following Erik Stevenson’s heroic game-winning three-pointer on Tuesday night in Best Virginia’s opening round win against Dubois Dream, the West Virginia alumni team has advanced to play Marshall alumni team “Herd That” tonight in what’s being called “The Battle of West Virginia.”
Herd That defeated Pitt alumni team “Zoo Crew” 86-71 in the first round and were led by Houston guard Rob Gray, who scored 27 points in the team’s opener.
“Herd That is a very good team,” Best Virginia head coach James Long said. “They’ve added a couple pieces that change it. I’d say talent wise, they’re as good as anyone in this region. That’s not even an argument. Rob Gray won a Euro Cup with Monaco. John Elmore is incredible, as we all know. Jacorey Williams averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds in the first league in Italy. James Kelly was a problem last year. You got JP Tokoto playing for Tel Aviv…They have a really good team.”
Last year, Best Virginia beat Herd That 89-79 in a second-round matchup of The Basketball Tournament’s West Virginia Regional and players on Herd That are seeking redemption: “Revenge, redemption,” said Herd That guard Jon Elmore. “They handled us last year. They’re a good team. They have vets and new guys and kind of revamped the roster. It’s going to be a loud environment, but revenge is on our mind and we’ll see what happens.”
Best Virginia was led in its opener by West Virginia legend Kevin Jones, who had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Erik Stevenson who had 16 points in his TBT debut and Teyvon Myers, who added 9 points and 7 assists.
The winner of Thursday’s matchup moves on to the regional final at 2 p.m. Saturday against the winner of the #2 ranked Sideline Cancer versus #3 Challenge ALS.
How to watch:
- Date: July 27
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, West Virginia
- Best Virginia’s all-time TBT record: 7-3 (4th appearance)
- Herd That all-time TBT record: 5-3 (4th appearance)
- TV/Stream: ESPN+
