The West Virginia Mountaineers have extended their 2025-26 campaign, securing a definitive 87-70 victory over the Creighton Bluejays to advance to the finals of the College Basketball Crown. The win marks the second victory for Ross Hodge’s squad in three days, punctuating a resilient stretch of play that has revitalized the team’s momentum heading into the postseason.
The victory was fueled by a balanced offensive clinic and the continued emergence of true freshman DJ Thomas. By blending veteran physicality with a new level of freshman confidence, DJ Thomas powers West Virginia to a spot in the Crown Championship Game, where the Mountaineers are now scheduled to face Oklahoma on Sunday.
For a program navigating the complexities of the modern collegiate landscape, the win serves as more than just a step toward a trophy. It provides critical developmental minutes for a young core and establishes a blueprint for offensive efficiency that the Mountaineers have struggled to maintain consistently throughout the season.
The Ascent of DJ Thomas
The standout narrative of the semifinal was the efficiency and aggression of DJ Thomas. The true freshman finished the contest with 20 points, shooting a precise 9-of-14 from the field. His performance suggests a shift in offensive philosophy or a specific directive from Coach Ross Hodge to embrace a more assertive role on the perimeter.
Thomas’s ability to recognize open looks and convert them without hesitation has become a focal point of the Mountaineers’ attack. His growth highlights the strategic value of participating in tournaments outside the primary NCAA bracket; these games offer high-stakes environments that allow freshmen to build confidence and refine their game against top-tier competition.
Beyond the stat sheet, Thomas has evolved into a central figure in the team’s long-term planning. In an era defined by the NCAA transfer portal, maintaining a core of homegrown talent is paramount. While other contributors like Amir Jenkins remain vital, Thomas has emerged as the primary priority for roster retention as the program looks toward next season.
A Balanced Offensive Identity
While Thomas provided the spark, the victory over Creighton was a product of “spreading the wealth.” West Virginia displayed one of its most cohesive offensive performances of the year, utilizing a diversified scoring attack that prevented the Bluejays from focusing their defensive efforts on a single player.
Four different Mountaineers finished the game in double figures, creating a spacing dynamic that opened the floor for high-percentage looks. Harlan Obioha nearly joined that group, contributing nine points and providing essential support in the paint.
Central to this effort was the reliability of Chance Moore. Moore has established himself as the team’s most dependable asset when attacking the rim, utilizing a blend of physicality and finesse to score through contact. His ability to maintain balance and control while driving into the lane has made him a “locomotive” in the Mountaineers’ transition game, a role that will be difficult to replace should the roster shift in the coming months.
| Category | Stat/Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Score | WVU 87, Creighton 70 |
| Leading Scorer | DJ Thomas (20 Points) |
| Shooting Efficiency | DJ Thomas (9/14 FG) |
| Double-Figure Scorers | 4 Players |
| Next Opponent | Oklahoma |
The Stakes of the Crown Championship
The upcoming clash with Oklahoma represents the final checkpoint of the 2025-26 season. To secure the title, West Virginia will need to replicate the balanced scoring attack that dismantled Creighton. The ability to distribute the ball and maintain the aggressiveness seen from Thomas and Moore will be the deciding factor against a disciplined Sooners defense.
The game also serves as a final audition for the current roster. With the transfer window looming, the chemistry displayed during this tournament run is a powerful tool for Ross Hodge in his efforts to keep the team together. The confidence gained by the younger players in these high-pressure situations often translates to a greater willingness to return for another season of development.
The championship game is scheduled for Sunday at 5:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the matchup live on FOX, as the Mountaineers seek to cap off their season with a title.
The final result will be determined this Sunday, marking the conclusion of the College Basketball Crown and providing a definitive closing chapter to the Mountaineers’ current campaign.
Do you consider West Virginia can maintain this offensive balance against Oklahoma? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
