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West Virginia Faces Tough Challenge Against Oklahoma in College Basketball Crown Final
The Mountaineers have just a 42% chance to win according to the ESPN BPI Matchup Predictor
Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:27pm
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West Virginia will face former Big 12 rival Oklahoma in the final of the College Basketball Crown championship. The Mountaineers secured a 20-win season with their semifinal victory over Creighton, but the ESPN Basketball Power Index (BPI) gives them just a 42% chance of winning the title game against the surging Sooners, who have won 8 of their last 9 games.
Why it matters
This will be the final game of the season for West Virginia and first-year head coach Ross Hodge. A win would give the Mountaineers 21 victories on the year and end the season on a high note, while a loss would mean they fall short of the title despite an otherwise successful campaign.
The details
In the semifinal, West Virginia led wire-to-wire against Creighton, with DJ Thomas having one of the best offensive games of his career with 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting. As a team, the Mountaineers shot 53% from the field and 40% from three-point range. Oklahoma, meanwhile, relied on its stifling defense to beat Baylor in the other semifinal, holding the Bears to just 39% shooting and forcing 12 turnovers.
- The championship game will tip off at approximately 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
The players
Ross Hodge
The first-year head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, who has led the team to a 20-win season.
DJ Thomas
The West Virginia guard who had a standout performance in the semifinal win over Creighton, scoring 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting.
Xzayvier Brown
The Oklahoma guard who led the Sooners with 21 points in their semifinal victory over Baylor.
What’s next
The winner of the West Virginia-Oklahoma matchup will be crowned the champion of the College Basketball Crown tournament.
The takeaway
This championship game between West Virginia and Oklahoma represents the end of the season for both teams, with the Mountaineers looking to cap off a successful first year under coach Ross Hodge with a title, while the Sooners aim to continue their late-season surge and claim the trophy.
