West Virginia shocks Gonzaga in overtime victory

In the Bahamas, on November 27, 2024, West Virginia secured a hard-fought victory over Gonzaga in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, overcoming the No. 3 ranked team with a final score of 86-78. Javon Small was instrumental in the win, scoring a total of 31 points and contributing crucial points during the overtime period. As the game progressed into overtime, Small's layup gave West Virginia a critical lead that they maintained, ultimately sealing their victory. Sencire Harris bolstered the team's performance with vital free throws and a steal that resulted in an emphatic dunk, enhancing their lead in the late stages of the game. The Mountaineers were able to lift their records to 3 wins and 2 losses, showcasing their significant potential despite previous challenges in the season. They were successful in overcoming a 24-point defeat to Pitt earlier in the year, a loss that indicated the need for a team rebuild under their new coach, Darian DeVries. In contrast, Gonzaga's impressive depth was evident as they outscored West Virginia's bench 30-2, demonstrating their overall team strength even in defeat. Braden Huff led Gonzaga's efforts with 19 points as the now 5-1 team faced setbacks against a determined West Virginia squad. Looking ahead, West Virginia aims to continue their momentum in the tournament against Louisville, while Gonzaga finds themselves in the consolation bracket against No. 14 Indiana, highlighting the competitive nature of this season's tournament.