Jarrod West Sr. Credits Defensive ‘DNA,’ Fans for Best Virginia TBT Run

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – For the first time in team history, Best Virginia is in the TBT Final Four after a 73-61 win over Shell Shock Monday.

QUARTERFINALS: Watch the Game Highlights from Best Virginia vs. Shell Shock, 07/28/2025 pic.twitter.com/N4oJ7woz8E

— TBT (@thetournament) July 29, 2025

Despite making history, Head Coach Jarrod West Sr. is taking it “one game at a time” in the postgame press conference.

“It’s championship or bust… We’re happy, but we ain’t done nothing yet… We’re happy to be here. The only way we get to the championship is by being here,” West said. “So we’re taking one game at a time. We’re trying to go 1-0 every game.”

West also spoke on the team’s defensive ability, emphasizing how important it is to Best Virginia’s identity.

“They got in transition, but when we set our defense, we’re pretty good. So that’s what we’re holding our hats on. That’s our DNA,” West said.

The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center had the most Best Virginia fans out of any game thus far Monday. West mentioned the crowd’s importance as well as how they respond to Best Virginia’s style of defense.

“That’s why we’re here,” West said. That crowd is definitely a sixth man and they feed off hard nose, tough defense. So that’s what we’re trying to give,” West said.

Shell Shock cut the Best Virginia lead to just four points ahead of the Elam Ending before a monumental seven-point swing from the Mountaineer alumni. Part of that swing was a free throw and a three-pointer from Toby Okani, who West praised after the game.

“When he’s locked in and ready to go, he presents a problem,” West said. “And defensively, once Toby gets those mitts on you and gets his chest in front of you, he’s something.”

Best Virginia will play again at 6 p.m. Thursday, hosting the winner between Sideline Cancer and Eberline Drive.

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