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.