Traore, Utah hold off West Virginia 61-56 while putting a dent in Mountaineers' NCAA Tourney hopes - Associated Press News
AP News
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Utah secured a thrilling 61-56 victory over West Virginia, with Traore emerging as a key player in their win. This triumph not only showcased Utah's resilience but also dealt a significant blow to West Virginia's hopes of advancing far in the NCAA Tournament. Traore's standout performance was pivotal, highlighting his ability to lead and contribute crucially to the game.
In recent weeks, both teams had shown strong performances. Utah, ranked 20th, demonstrated consistency, while West Virginia entered the match on a winning streak, looking to solidify their position in the conference standings. However, this loss marked a setback for the Mountaineers, who had been building momentum and were aiming to strengthen their tournament prospects.
Traore's impressive stats, including 18 points and 9 rebounds, underscored his importance to Utah. His ability to control the game's pace and deliver under pressure was instrumental in securing the win. Additionally, Duarte and Timqo contributed significantly with their scoring and defensive efforts, reflecting Utah's balanced attack.
West Virginia's defeat has ramifications for their tournament chances, potentially affecting their seeding. The loss also raises questions about their consistency moving forward, especially in a competitive conference. Teams like Kansas State and Oklahoma now see an opportunity to close the gap on West Virginia in the standings.
This game not only highlighted Traore's leadership but also showcased Utah's depth and defensive strategies that frustrated West Virginia's offense. For sports enthusiasts, this match exemplifies the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where a single loss
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Originally published on AP News on 2/19/2026