West Virginia bounces back with 69-59 win over Pitt in the Backyard Brawl

In a game that lived up to its name, WVU upended Pitt in the second installment of the the renewed Backyard Brawl 69-59 to improve to 6-3 on the season, bouncing back after disappointing showing in the Jimmy V Classic earlier in the week.

It was a physical, contentious first-half (there were two double-technical fouls) that hearkened to the days when both teams battled in the Big East, with Pitt taking an early lead. WVU’s defense turned up the pressure, forcing 14 first half-turn overs that lead to 15 of their 39 points and took the lead for good with just over eight minutes remaining in the first half.

The Mountaineer’s big three of Beetle Bolden, Esa Ahmad and Sagaba Konate led the Mountaineers with 18, 13 and 16 points respectively. Konate, who has at times struggled this season, seemed to return to form scoring around the basket, and perhaps more importantly, blocking shots with 7 in the game. That was good enough for him to pass D’or Fischer for the most-all time in school history.

WVU improves to 98-88 against Pitt all-time and has won both games against Pitt since renewing the series last season. It was also the sixth consecutive win for the Mountaineers versus an ACC team.

Up Next

• WVU heads to Connecticut to take on Rhode Island on December 16 at 1:00 PM on CBS Sports Network in the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase.
• Pitt hosts Maryland Eastern Shore on December 15 on the ACCN Extra.