West Virginia knew they had to win this game in front of an ESPN Big Monday audience on Senior Night with Darris Nichols, Jamie Smalligan, and Teddy Talkington playing their final game at the WVU Coliseum.

In front of 13,960 fans, including a vocal jammed pack student contingent, the Mountaineers pounded Pittsburgh inside and out as they won 76-62. Led by Joe Alexander’s 2nd straight 32-point game the Mountaineers have most likely solidified an NCAA Tournament berth. (Mountaineerbob totally called this one!)

Joltin’ Joe was 10 of 16 from the field plus 12 of 16 from the foul line. He also was solid in getting frontcourt players DeJuan Blair and Sam Young in foul trouble and they both eventually fouled out. Nicholas scored 17 points on 7 of 12 shooting with 3 treys. The Rainmaker chipped in with 14, and had 3 treys of his own. LaVance “Don’t Taser Me, Bro” Fields scored 15 for Pitt.

It was a back and forth slobber-knocker throughout the first half until about 4 minutes remaining as WVU was leading 27-25. The Eers went on an 11-3 tear to get the lead up to double-digits for the first time tonight at 38-28.

The Eers held it there at the half with the score of 40-30. In order for West Virginia to get after the Big Dance invite they had to come out on fire. After a couple wide-open three point attempts by Young were off the mark, WVU was off and running as they scored the first seven points of the second half.

Pitt tried to keep it close but Alexander was almost perfect. He couldn’t miss from 17 feet, off the bank, and even hit a tip-in, basically Alexander was putting on a clinic tonight against Blair and Young. The closest Pitt ever got to WVU in the second half (after than opening second half spurt) was fourteen, and that was end of the game.

About 200 students rushed the floor to the fine tune of Country Roads after the game. What a great night to be a Mountaineer!

What it all means…

The Mountaineers will wrap up the regular season Saturday afternoon as they go to NYC to play the St. John’s Red Storm at the world’s most famous arena Madision Square Garden. While tonight’s win puts a seal of approval in the NCAA Tournament resume with 20 Division-I wins as well as 10 Big East wins, the next game is important for seeding purposes.

If we win and Marquette loses to Syracuse at the Carrier Dome WVU will clinch the 5th spot due to their win over Marquette. Let’s not think about that now, let’s just savor this kick-ass win over the Panthers. I just want to know if anybody is burning their old couch tonight in Sunnyside? If so, burn one for me tonight!