West Virginia Claims the Crown: Honor Huff’s 38-Point Masterclass Secures CBC Title
The Overtime Heroics in Las Vegas
In a scene defined by neon lights and high stakes, the West Virginia Mountaineers etched their names into the history books at T-Mobile Arena on Sunday. In an instant classic that required an extra period to decide, West Virginia outlasted the Oklahoma Sooners 89-82 to capture the second annual College Basketball Crown (CBC) championship. The victory marks a monumental milestone for a program that has undergone a rapid transformation over the last twelve months, proving that the Mountaineers are once again a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.
The game was a pendulum of momentum, featuring double-digit leads for both sides before settling into a gritty back-and-forth affair in the closing minutes of regulation. However, it was the overtime period where the Mountaineers truly showed their mettle. After spotting the Sooners the first six points of the extra session, West Virginia responded with a staggering 13-0 run to close the game. The surge was fueled by veteran poise and a defensive intensity that left Oklahoma searching for answers as the final buzzer sounded amid a shower of blue and gold confetti.
Honor Huff’s Record-Breaking Masterclass
While the victory was a collective effort, senior guard Honor Huff delivered a performance for the ages. Standing just 5-foot-10, Huff was the tallest figure on the court in terms of impact, pouring in a career-high 38 points. His shooting display was nothing short of legendary, as he connected on eight three-pointers and went a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Huff’s ability to create separation and knock down contested jumpers under pressure silenced the Sooner-heavy crowd and earned him the tournament’s Most Valuable Player honors.
Beyond the single-game heroics, Huff’s eight triples on Sunday brought his season total to 120, officially surpassing Frank Young’s 2007 record (117) for the most made three-pointers in a single season in West Virginia history. It was a poetic conclusion to Huff’s career in Morgantown, as he led the Mountaineers through a three-game tournament stretch where he averaged over 24 points per game. "I am forever indebted to this group," Huff remarked during the post-game celebration. "We have the most camaraderie this year of any place I've ever been."
The Ross Hodge Era Begins with Gold
The championship also serves as a resounding validation for head coach Ross Hodge. In his first year at the helm since taking over for Darian DeVries, Hodge has managed to navigate the turbulent waters of the Big 12 to finish the season with a 21-14 record. While the Mountaineers narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament field, their dominance in the CBC—which included wins over Stanford, Creighton, and Oklahoma—suggests that the program’s foundation is rock solid. Hodge’s ability to integrate transfers like Jasper Floyd and Chance Moore into a cohesive unit in just one season has been the primary storyline in Morgantown.
Floyd, despite a slow start in the final, proved critical in the overtime period, hitting two massive three-pointers that turned a three-point deficit into a lead West Virginia would never relinquish. Meanwhile, Moore provided a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing the depth that Hodge has cultivated. The win not only brings a trophy back to West Virginia but also secures a reported $300,000 in NIL prize money for the roster, a modern incentive that further underscores the importance of the CBC tournament in the current collegiate landscape.
Looking Ahead: A Program on the Rise
As the celebrations move from the Vegas Strip back to the mountains of West Virginia, the focus already begins to shift toward the 2026-27 campaign. With a championship under their belt, the Mountaineers are expected to be a hot destination in the transfer portal. Rumors are already swirling about potential high-profile recruits eyeing Hodge’s fast-paced system, especially following Huff’s public endorsement of the coaching staff. Oklahoma, led by Nijel Pack’s 24 points in a losing effort, finishes their season at 21-16, but for West Virginia, the "Crown" represents more than just a postseason title—it represents a return to relevance.
