SAN DIEGO — Sensing a soft spot in Murray State’s defense, fifth-seeded West Virginia gored its way inside for baskets and advanced into the second round of the NCAA tournament.
The Mountaineers scored 48 points in the paint and took a season-low 11 attempts from 3-point range, the formula for a commanding 85-68 victory on Friday.
West Virginia (25-10) must stave off another upset-craving mid-major opponent Sunday — one with a local flavor to be tasted across three time zones — after 13th-seeded Marshall toppled Wichita State 81-75.
“They’re going to be ready to see a battle,” WVU point guard Jevon Carter said of the Herd.