WVU Crashes the Glass to Top Lehigh, 78-68, Improve to 8-4 on Season

Despite leading for most of the second half, WVU could never feel completely secure in its lead as Lehigh continued to stay within striking distance until the closing minutes when the Mountaineers went on extended 9 point run to the put the game away for the 78 to 68 victory. With the win, WVU improves its record to 8-4 on the season.

Esa Ahmad and Beetle Bolden led the way for WVU with 22 and 21 points and 9 and 8 rebounds respectively, after combining for just 7 points in the Mountaineers December 22 victory over Jacksonville State. Boosting them was highly-touted freshman Derek Culver who recorded his first double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Culver was making just his second appearance this season after sitting out the first 10 games.

Culver’s 11 rebounds led the team as they dominated Lehigh on the glass 52-25 including 22-3 on offensive boards that led to 30 key second chance points.

WVU was once again without star forward Sagaba Konate who continues to be out with a knee injury.

The win moves WVU to 5-0 all time versus the Mountain Hawks.

Next Up:

• WVU hosts #11 Texas Tech (10-1) in their Big XII conference opener on Wednesday, January 2 at 7:00 PM on ESPNU.
• Lehigh returns home to face rival Lafayette in their Patriot League opener on Wednesday, January 2.