NEW YORK — Whatever momentum West Virginia built during its four-game winning streak evaporated Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
Florida’s half-court defensive pressure was too disruptive, and its drives to the rim too relentless, and an inept West Virginia offense couldn’t answer during a 66-56 loss.
The Gators (5-3) represented the first power-conference test this season for the Mountaineers (5-3), who also fell to 0-3 in the Jimmy V Classic. That includes a 2008 loss to Stephen Curry and Davidson and a 70-54 loss against next-door neighbor Virginia in 2015.
Florida has now won three straight against West Virginia, dating back to pre-Bob Huggins in 2003.