West Virginia delivered a stunning performance, upsetting No. 24 Arizona to claim third place in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament on Friday. The Mountaineers, who had been underdogs heading into the matchup, overcame a determined Arizona squad with a 68-60 victory, making a statement in the final game of the prestigious tournament held in the Bahamas.
The win was fueled by strong contributions from West Virginia’s offense and defense. Guard Kedrian Johnson led the way with 18 points, showcasing his clutch shooting and poise under pressure. Forward Jimmy Bell Jr. also had a standout game, adding 14 points and 9 rebounds, playing a pivotal role in controlling the paint and giving the Mountaineers a significant edge in the battle for rebounds.
Arizona, despite entering the game as the higher-ranked team, struggled to find consistency throughout. Despite a solid performance from forward Azuolas Tubelis, who recorded a team-high 20 points, the Wildcats’ offense faltered in the second half. West Virginia’s defense stifled Arizona’s shooting, forcing them into difficult shots and limiting their fast-break opportunities.
The win marks a significant achievement for West Virginia, especially after they had lost a close game to North Carolina earlier in the tournament. Coach Bob Huggins praised his team’s resilience and determination, noting that the victory would be an important confidence booster moving forward in the season.
Arizona, meanwhile, will look to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming games in the competitive Pac-12 Conference. Despite the setback, the Wildcats remain a formidable force in college basketball.
For West Virginia, the win in the Battle 4 Atlantis serves as an early-season triumph that will boost their NCAA Tournament hopes and set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season.
