WVU Basketball Handles Mercyhurst 70-38

MORGANTOWN, W.Va – WVU basketball had a bounce-back win against Mercyhurst Sunday, topping the Lakers 70-38.

WVU attacked the rim early, as Mercyhurst’s tallest starters were both 6-foot-5. The seven-foot-tall senior center Harlan Obioha found the paint for two points to start.

The Mountaineers had a hot start on offense, going on a 10-0 run to open the game and taking a 14-2 lead into the first media timeout.

Mercyhurst found a spark with three consecutive three-pointers, which spurred an 11-2 run and cut the WVU lead to 18-13.

Senior forward Jackson Fields checked in for the first time this season at the 9:36 mark after missing the first seven games with an injury. He made his first field goal with a fading shot from the paint for a 24-17 WVU lead.

WVU found its offensive footing once again with a 13-3 run over the last 4:25 and held Mercyhurst scoreless in the final 2:49 for a 39-22 halftime lead.

Senior guard Treysen Eaglestaff drilled a three-pointer to open second-half scoring. His shot began a 10-2 run to start the second half for the Mountaineers.

Mercyhurst scored for the first time in the second half at the 15:54 mark with a jumper from senior guard Christian Gamble.

The Mountaineers stepped up on defense, holding Mercyhurst to a 6:02 scoring drought and going on a 9-0 run for a 61-28 lead with 7:05 remaining.

The Mountaineers coasted the rest of the way and came out on top with a 70-38 win. Fifth-year guard Chance Moore led the Mountaineers with 11 points.

WVU basketball will take the court again at 7 p.m. on Wednsesday when it hosts Coppin State at the Hope Coliseum.

Find more coverage of WVU basketball at WV Sports Now.