West Virginia Basketball Advances to College Basketball Crown Final After Dominant Win Over Creighton
West Virginia University basketball has secured a spot in the College Basketball Crown championship game following a decisive 87-70 victory over the Creighton Blue Jays on Saturday, April 4, in Las Vegas. The Mountaineers utilized a high-volume, high-efficiency shooting attack to control the game, setting the stage for a final showdown against former Big 12 rival Oklahoma.
- Final Score: West Virginia 87, Creighton 70.
- Top Performer: DJ Thomas led the Mountaineers with 20 points.
- Shooting Prowess: WVU made 12 three-pointers and shot 63.9% on two-point attempts.
- Financial Gain: The victory earned the roster an additional $100,000 in NIL money.
- Next Opponent: Oklahoma.
Game Recap: Mountaineers Outshoot Blue Jays
West Virginia established momentum early, with Honor Huff sinking consecutive three-pointers to open the game with an 8-0 lead. DJ Thomas continued the offensive surge, eventually leading the team with 20 points. The Mountaineers’ strategy leaned heavily on the perimeter, taking 30 of their 66 shots from beyond the arc and converting 40% of those attempts, according to WV Sports Now.
Despite Creighton’s attempts to rally in the first half, West Virginia remained composed. Whenever the Blue Jays threatened to close the gap, players like Jasper Floyd and senior Treysen Eaglestaff responded with immediate three-pointers to stifle the momentum. Eaglestaff finished the game with four made three-pointers, including two critical shots in the second half that prevented Creighton from returning to single-digit proximity.
The Financial Impact: $100,000 NIL Boost
Beyond the athletic achievement, the win in Las Vegas carries significant financial implications for the program. The victory secured an additional $100,000 in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) money for the current season’s roster. This incentive highlights the evolving landscape of college athletics, where tournament success directly translates into tangible financial benefits for student-athletes.
Player Spotlight: Treysen Eaglestaff’s Transition to WVU
Senior guard Treysen Eaglestaff has quickly become a vital component of head coach Steve Sabins’ rotation. Standing 6’6″, Eaglestaff joined West Virginia after three seasons at North Dakota, where he established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in the Summit League.
During his tenure at North Dakota, Eaglestaff achieved several milestones, including:
- Setting a Summit League tournament record with 51 points in a game against South Dakota State.
- Becoming the only Division I player in the 2024-25 season with multiple 40-point games.
- Earning Second-team All-Summit League honors in 2025.
- Being named North Dakota Mr. Basketball in 2022 during his time at Bismarck High School.
Final Matchup: West Virginia vs. Oklahoma
The Mountaineers now turn their attention to the championship game against Oklahoma. The matchup carries added weight given the history between the two programs as former Big 12 rivals. Following the win over Creighton, coach Steve Sabins, Eaglestaff, and Brenen Lorient spoke with media to discuss the team’s trajectory heading into the final, as reported by WBOY.
West Virginia will look to maintain its sharp-shooting efficiency to secure the title and further solidify its standing in the postseason landscape.
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