West Virginia Defeats Oakland in Season Opener

Morgantown, West Virginia – The West Virginia Mountaineers (1-0) got off to a slow start against Oakland’s tough 1-3-1 defense, but pulled away in the second half to get their first win of the season, 60-53.

West Virginia was out-rebounded 27-8 and struggled with turnovers in the 1st half, but the second half was an entirely different story.  The Mountaineers shot the ball more efficiently and looked much more cohesive in the second half.  West Virginia was 23-59 from the field (39.7%), 4-21 from three point range (19%) and 9-16 from the foul line (56.3%).

West Virginia was led by Taz Sherman, who finished the game with 18 points (7-18 FG) and 5 assists.  Sean McNeil had 11 points on 4-7 from the field and 2-4 from three point range.  Jalen Bridges had 7 points (all in the second half) and 3 rebounds and Gabe Osabuohien added 6 points and 9 rebounds.

West Virginia will next play their bitter rivals, the Pitt Panthers, in the basketball version of the Backyard Brawl on Friday night at 8:30PM.  The game will be televised live on ESPNU.