WVU Can’t Get Over Hump vs. Ohio State, Falling in OT 78-75

CLEVELAND — In the Legends of Basketball Showcase, West Virginia couldn’t get over the hump, falling in overtime 78-75 to Ohio State.

WVU G Kerr Kriisa missed the first-of-two free-throws with eight seconds left in overtime.

WVU trailed the majority of the game, but forward Patrick Suemnick scored back-to-back baskets to tie the game with 30 seconds left. Suemnick’s step-up helped get West Virginia to overtime.

Ohio State’s cold streak in the first half was the result of West Virginia switching to a two-three defense. The Buckeyes eventually figured it out in the second half, shooting 38% from three.

West Virginia and Ohio State’s first-half play showed highs and lows. The Buckeyes started out the game 24-10 as the Mountaineers went cold from the field. Then the script flipped behind Noah Farrakhan and Quinn Slazinski. WVU went on a 16-4 run to end the half, heading into the break down by two points.

WVU G RaeQuan Battle got into early foul trouble with two fouls in the first few minutes. Battle sat the remainder of the first half. When back in, Kerr Kriisa found Battle for a deep alley-oop to help give WVU momentum with five minutes to go.

Battle ended the game with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Farrakhan connected on his fifth basket in the second half before picking up back-to-back fouls. Farrakhan recorded 19 points on 8-of-18 shooting from the field.

Other notable scorers for WVU: Quinn Slazinski (11), Suemnick (9).

West Virginia wore their new black uniforms that they released earlier in the month for the Backyard Brawl.

The WVU and then-No. 2 Ohio State last played in 2019 with the Mountaineers taking the win 67-59. WVU freshman guard Miles “Deuce” McBride had a breakout game, scoring 21 points on 50% shooting. McBride’s performance was most known for his shrug after hitting a mid-range floater. West Virginia out-scored OSU by 14 in the second half, cruising to an eight-point win.

Saturday’s game marked the third-straight game without big man Jesse Edwards, who fractured his right wrist on Dec. 16 vs. UMass. WVU interim HC Josh Eilert gave an update on Edwards earlier in the week that his cast should come off soon.

West Virginia will have a week off before traveling for their first Big 12 game vs. Houston. The Cougars are currently No. 3 in the AP poll. WVU and UH will tipoff on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. on ESPN+.