West Virginia Holds Off UCF After Nearly Losing 25-Point Lead

Javon Small's 25-point performance and key late-game plays secure West Virginia's win and eighth seed in the Big 12 Tournament.

West Virginia defeated UCF 72-65 in their regular-season finale, overcoming a second-half rally by the Knights after leading by 25 points at halftime.
Senior guard Javon Small led the Mountaineers with 25 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds, while freshman Jonathan Powell added 15 points, including a crucial late-game three-pointer.
Amani Hansberry contributed a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, helping West Virginia improve to 11-0 this season when outrebounding opponents.
UCF's Darius Johnson scored a game-high 27 points, but the Knights struggled with 17 turnovers that led to 16 West Virginia points.
West Virginia secured the No. 8 seed and a first-round bye in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament, while UCF will enter as the No. 14 seed.