MORGANTOWN — In a thrilling turn of events, WVU’s basketball team, the Mountaineers, secured a critical 73-55 victory over TCU, effectively keeping their NCAA tournament hopes alive. This win was far from predictable, showcasing a team that has earned the nickname the “Unpredictables”.

Javon Small was a standout performer with 23 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds, marking the eighth all-time 20-10-5 game in WVU history. However, the real story of the night was the unexpected contributions from players like Sencire Harris, Joseph Yesufu, and K.J. Tenner, who played pivotal roles in securing the win.

The Mountaineers now find themselves in a three-way tie for seventh place in the Big 12, a position that, while not glamorous, is crucial for their tournament aspirations. In a deep and expanded Big 12, staying in the upper half of the league almost guarantees a spot in the NCAA tournament for a team with a respectable résumé like WVU’s.

Sencire Harris, typically known for his defensive prowess, stepped up in a big way against the Horned Frogs. He contributed 13 points, five rebounds, two blocked shots, and two steals. Harris’ performance was particularly impressive given his season averages of 5.8 points and 4.3 rebounds. His step-back jumper from 15 feet and a thunderous dunk in the lane were highlights of his night.

K.J. Tenner, the smallest player on the court at 6-feet, showed remarkable agility and composure. He executed a clever up-and-under move to score a critical basket in the first half, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.

Joseph Yesufu also made significant contributions, nailing a 3-pointer while falling down and finishing with 14 points and six rebounds. His four 3-pointers were a key factor in WVU’s offensive success.

WVU’s recent struggles, including an upset home loss against Arizona State and a tough overtime loss at Baylor, had put the team in a critical condition. This victory against TCU, who had previously beaten the Mountaineers 65-60 in Fort Worth, felt like a well-deserved payback. TCU was held without a 3-pointer until the second half and was scoreless for a period of 8:21 in the first half, highlighting WVU’s defensive prowess.

For the first time this season, the Mountaineers shot better than 50% in a Big 12 game, connecting on 27 of 52 from the field. Amani Hansberry chipped in with nine points and five rebounds, further solidifying the team’s performance.

Looking ahead, WVU will travel to Utah for back-to-back games against Utah and BYU. Utah will be coached by former WVU interim coach Josh Eilert, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming matches.

As the season progresses, the Mountaineers’ ability to rely on their “Unpredictables” will be crucial. The team’s resilience and adaptability have been on full display, and fans can look forward to more thrilling performances as they push for a spot in the NCAA tournament.