West Virginia Vs. Missouri State: Mountaineers Hold On For Two Point Overtime Win In Las Vegas

The West Virginia Mountaineers edged out the Missouri State Bears for a 70-68 overtime win in the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic. It was an evenly matched up-and-down game that was tied at the twenty minute mark and the forty minute mark. The WVU defense, however, would clamp down to hold Missouri State scoreless over the final three plus minutes of overtime. The Bears would score only five points in the extra five minutes, after some crucial missed free throws and an Aaron Brown bucket for WVU would eek out a win for the 'Eers.

Kevin Jones was simply dominant on the inside, finishing with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Jones is among the top ten rebounders in the country, averaging more than 11 boards a game, and he was too much for an overmatched Missouri State frontcourt. WVU outrebounded the Bears by 12, largely due to Jones. The advantage on the glass kept them even with the mid-major foe that shot better than 50% from the floor. 

In addition to Jones, Truck Bryant would add 15 points and Brown would give WVU a huge boost with 14, hitting four threes and finishing with the game-winning layup.

At 9-2, WVU turns around tomorrow to face a top ten ranked Baylor Bears team at 9:00 PM in Vegas.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on the Mountaineers, visit SB Nation's West Virginia blog, The Smoking Musket.

West Virginia Vs. Missouri State: Late Game Heroics From Gary Browne Earn Huggs His 700th Win

Bob Huggins entered elite territory tonight, getting his 700th win with 70-68 overtime victory against Missouri State, but it was far from pretty.  The Mountaineers needed a last second desperation three pointer from freshman guard Gary Browne to get to overtime, and saw a potential game tying lay-up by Nathan Scheer rim out at the buzzer to preserve victory.  If there were only one word to describe the victory it would be: lucky.  (Runner up word: ugly).

The story of the game was the emergence of Gary Browne as a dynamic part of the Mountaineer scoring offense.  His thirteen points all came when they were desperately needed. Despite his miracle heave with a second left, he seemed to be the only Mountaineer who wasn't suckered into taking ill-advised jump shots.  Fellow freshman Aaron Brown hit four three pointers, including two at key moments in the second half.

As usual, Kevin Jones had a stellar game, dropping 17 points and hauling in 13 rebounds.  His fellow upperclassmen Truck Bryant and Deniz Kilicli weren't so lucky.  Truck managed to miss far more shots than he made, including a crucial front end of a one and one in overtime that could have delivered the game to the Bears.  Kilicli spent the bulk of the second half on the bench after forcing a series of ill-advised deep shots.  Kevin Noreen played in his place, but also fell prey to the allure of jacking up jump shots from outside his range.  It was a stretch of play in the second half where Kilicli and Noreen missed shots on three consecutive possessions which led to Missouri State baskets and dug the Mountaineers into a deep hole.  If it weren't for Gary Browne, the 'Eers would still be looking for a way to get Huggins his 700th.

WVU faces Baylor tomorrow night in Vegas at 9pm.

West Virginia Vs. Missouri State: 'Eers Face Bears In Vegas

The Mountaineers square off with the Missouri State Bears in Las Vegas.