Best Virginia and Herd That to match up today in the TBT in Charleston

Best Virginia held off a furious DuBois Dream rally to win 72-69 in The Basketball Tournament opener at the Charleston Coliseum. After blowing a 17-point lead, BV sealed the win with clutch plays from Tre Mitchell, Kedrian Johnson, and two ice-cold free throws by Toby Okani. James Reese led with 21 points. Up next: a Sunday showdown vs. Marshall alumni squad Herd That — tip-off at 5 p.m. on FS1.

CHARLESTON It was nearly a disaster, but Best Virginia survived and advanced Friday night in the opening round of The Basketball Tournament. After dominating through three quarters, WVU’s alumni squad barely escaped with a 72-69 win over DuBois Dream at the Charleston Coliseum.

Best Virginia held a commanding 62-45 lead entering the fourth quarter but scored just two points and turned it over six times as DuBois Dream stormed back with a relentless press and clutch shooting — including 14 second-half points from West Liberty product Dalton Bolon.

DuBois Dream took a 69-65 lead in the Elam Ending, needing just three more to win. But Best Virginia dug in, sparked by Tre Mitchell and Kedrian Johnson, before Toby Okani calmly knocked down two clutch free throws — despite a career 57% mark — to seal it.

James Reese led BV with 21 points, including four threes, and Tre Mitchell added 13. Okani also grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds off the bench.

With the win, Best Virginia moves on to face familiar rival Herd That, Marshall’s alumni squad, in a Sunday showdown airing on FS1. The series is tied 1–1 over the last two TBTs.

Herd That advanced with an 84-71 win over Sikh Warriors behind 29 points and 10 boards from Jacorey Williams. Tip-off Sunday is 5 p.m. in Charleston with a regional title berth on the line.

PHOTO | tbthoops.com