Honor Huff's late-game heroics propel West Virginia into the semifinals of the College Basketball Crown
Category: Sports
In a thrilling overtime showdown, the West Virginia Mountaineers defeated Stanford 82-77 on April 2, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This victory marked a remarkable comeback for the Mountaineers, who trailed by eight points with just over three minutes remaining in regulation.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with West Virginia (19-14) showing resilience as they clawed back from a 67-59 deficit. Senior guard Honor Huff played a key role, sending the game into overtime by sinking three free throws after being fouled on a three-point attempt by Stanford's Benny Gealer with just 3.5 seconds left on the clock. Huff's clutch performance showcased his skill and highlighted the Mountaineers' determination under pressure.
"Our group is about as resilient a group that I’ve ever been around," said WVU head coach Ross Hodge. "Whether it’s a tough loss or a game we’re not playing very well and we look down and out, they have the ability to stay together and keep playing for each other." Hodge's faith in his players was rewarded as they outscored Stanford 14-9 in the overtime period.
Huff led all scorers with 21 points, 17 of which came in the second half and overtime. He was particularly effective at the free-throw line, converting 11 of 13 attempts. His performance was a stark reminder of his scoring ability, especially in crunch time. "When the shots aren’t falling, you have to counter with something," Huff noted after the game.
Meanwhile, Stanford's Ebuka Okorie had a standout performance of his own, finishing with a game-high 34 points. He was instrumental in keeping the Cardinal (20-13) competitive throughout the match, having scored 13 consecutive points during a key stretch in the second half. His scoring prowess made him a focal point for the Mountaineers' defense, which tightened as the game progressed.
The first half saw West Virginia taking an early lead, thanks to a quick basket from senior center Harlan Obioha and a three-point play by Brennen Lorient. The Mountaineers led 35-29 at halftime after a strong offensive showing inside the paint, scoring 24 of their first-half points from close range. In stark opposition, the team struggled from beyond the arc, finishing the game with a dismal 2-of-20 from three-point territory.
As the second half unfolded, Stanford began to assert itself. Okorie's aggressive drives and scoring helped the Cardinal regain momentum, and they eventually took a 53-51 lead midway through the half. This back-and-forth continued until the final minutes, where Stanford seemed to have the upper hand.
With just over three minutes remaining, the Cardinal extended their lead to 67-59, but West Virginia responded with a furious 9-1 run to tie the game. The run culminated in Huff's heroic free throws, which sent the game into overtime after a frantic final minute.
In the overtime period, the Mountaineers took control. After an initial basket from Stanford's Ryan Agarwal, West Virginia quickly responded with a three-point play from Obioha, tying the game again. The teams traded baskets, but Huff's offensive prowess shone through as he scored eight points in overtime alone, including a miraculous shot made as he was falling to the ground.
West Virginia's ability to capitalize on free throws proved decisive, as they were 22-of-26 from the line for the game. This efficiency at the charity stripe was particularly important, compensating for their struggles from three-point range. It was a night where the Mountaineers had to dig deep and find alternative ways to score.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Mountaineers celebrated their hard-fought victory, which advanced them to the semifinals of the College Basketball Crown and marked their first overtime win of the season. They are set to face the winner of the matchup between Rutgers and Creighton on Saturday, April 4, at 4 p.m. EST, a game that will be broadcast on FOX.
Looking ahead, the Mountaineers will need to maintain their momentum and address their shooting woes from beyond the arc. Nevertheless, their performance against Stanford has instilled a sense of confidence and resilience that could carry them through the remainder of the tournament. As Huff aptly put it, "You have to find ways to win," and the Mountaineers did just that against Stanford.
The upcoming semifinal another test of their character and skill as they aim for a championship run.