Huff, Lorient lead West Virginia past No. 19 BYU, 79-71 - AP News
AP News
March 1, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
West Virginia secured an impressive 79-71 victory over No. 19 BYU, thanks to strong performances from key players Derek Culver, Mike Altherr, and Jalen Moore. This win marked WVU's second straight triumph and showcased their resilience against ranked opposition. The Mountaineers demonstrated effective ball movement and clutch shooting in the latter half to pull ahead, ultimately delivering a thrilling conclusion to an engaging contest.
Derek Culver led the charge with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Mike Altherr contributed 18 points and Jalen Moore added 17. Their combined efforts were crucial as WVU outscored BYU in both halves, despite trailing early. The defense also stepped up, holding BYU's top scorer to just 14 points on 3-of-10 shooting from the field.
BYU entered the game with a solid record and ranked 19th nationally, but their offensive struggles, particularly against WVU's defensive pressure, hindered their chances. This loss could impact their seeding in upcoming tournaments, emphasizing the importance of strong performances against top-tier opponents.
The win significantly boosts West Virginia's confidence and positions them favorably in conference standings. Fans are optimistic about the team's potential moving forward, with this victory highlighting their ability to compete at a high level against ranked teams. The game underscores the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where momentum can swing dramatically and opportunities must be seized to maintain upward trajectories.
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Originally published on AP News on 3/1/2026