WVU falls to Hot-Shooting Coastal Carolina

Brad Smith |

Mar 25, 2019

Coastal Carolina’s hot-shooting ended WVU’s season tonight. The Mountaineers lost 109-91 at home in the quarterfinals of the CBI tournament.

Double-Double Machine Derek Culver did not play in the first half due to an apparent discipline issue and WVU got down 50-36 at the end of the half without him. Students chanted “We want Culver! We want Culver!”

More "We Want Culver", and louder, and Huggins goes and talks to Culver but doesn't put him in. #wvu

— Bob Hertzel (@bhertzel) March 25, 2019

Culver returned in the 2nd half, but the Mountaineers continued to give up open shots. While WVU couldn’t seem to make a shot at times, the Chanticleers couldn’t miss. Devante Jones had 32 points on 6-8 from 3. He added 7 assists and 7 rebounds. Coastal Carolina finished shooting 58% from the field and 47% from 3.

This can't be right … but I'm pretty sure it's right:

Coastal Carolina started the half with 13 baskets on 13 possessions. A turnover on the 14th ends the remarkable run. pic.twitter.com/BQHIC1xMve

— Mike Casazza (@mikecasazza) March 26, 2019

West Virginia was led by Lamont West with 21 points and Emmitt Matthews, Jr. with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Chase Harler had 15 and Jermaine Haley finished with 12 points. Jordan McCabe added 11.

This loss caps a tremendously disappointing season. However, the young talent WVU currently has on its roster, combined with outstanding incoming Freshmen Oscar Tshiebwe and Miles McBride, gives WVU fans lot of reason to be optimistic for next season. This was a painful loss, but the future is still very bright.