Knapper shines as WVU downs Oklahoma

Brandon Knapper (2) guards Oklahoma’s Aaron Calixte (2) during the first half of WVU’s win on Saturday, February 2, 2019.(Photo Credit: Kelsie LeRose, BGS)

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.–Brandon Knapper scored a career-best 25 points to help West Virginia knock off Oklahoma, 79-71, on Saturday afternoon at the Coliseum.

Derek Culver and Wesley Harris, both had 13 points. Esa Ahmad added 12 points and 13 boards for the Mountaineers (10-12, 2-7 Big 12).

Knapper swished a 3 from the corner with 1:48 remaining to push WVU ahead 68-63. At the opposite end he stole the ball from Jamal Bienemy before making a free throw.

However, the Sooners (15-7, 3-6) answered when Aaron Calixte drained a 3-pointer, making it a 69-66 contest with 59 seconds left.

Culver’s putback gave the Mountaineers a 71-66 lead. The freshman was fouled on the play but missed the free throw.

Ahmad snagged the rebound and Knapper made both free throws.

With 29 seconds to play, Brady Manek sank a 3-pointer to pull Oklahoma within 73-69.

But Knapper made several free throws in the final minute to seal the win.

Jermaine Haley (10) dribbles the ball down the court in the second half of WVU’s win over Oklahoma on Saturday, February 2, 2019.(Photo Credit: Kelsie LeRose, BGS)

WVU had a 46-30 advantage over the Sooners on the glass.

“Esa was terrific,” head coach Bob Huggins said. “Esa was terrific. Wes (Harris) had a great spurt for us when we were struggling a little bit. You almost expect it from Derek anymore.”

The Mountaineers forced 15 turnovers and had nine steals.

Manek led Oklahoma with 18 points. Calixte tallied 17 points and Christian James had 10.

“I thought, obviously, it’s pretty clear the boards were the biggest difference,” Sooners’ head coach Lon Kruger said. “They had their way with us inside. I thought their big guys did a great job. Again (we) just have to be much more physical. WE have to get after the ball more on the boards and try to limit them to one shot.”

WVU shot 42 percent from the field, 32 percent from beyond the arc and 67 percent from the free throw line.

Oklahoma shot 42 percent from the floor, 38 percent from 3-point range and 72 percent from the line.

The Mountaineers travel to Lubbock, Texas on Monday to square off against Texas Tech at 9 p.m.

WVU was once again without Beetle Bolden and Sagaba Konate. Bolden suffered a high ankle sprain last Saturday while Konate has been sidelined since December with a knee injury.

Cover Photo Credit: Kelsie LeRose, BGS