West Virginia Mountaineers Capture Crown Championship in Overtime Thriller

The Mountaineers rallied late to defeat Oklahoma and claim the $300,000 prize in Las Vegas.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:34pm

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The West Virginia Mountaineers fought back from a second-half deficit to defeat the Oklahoma Sooners in an overtime thriller, capturing the Crown Championship and a $300,000 prize. Led by senior guard Honor Huff's 29-point performance, including 7 three-pointers, the Mountaineers showed their resilience and never-say-die attitude to pull out the victory in the final moments.

Why it matters

The Mountaineers' championship win caps off a season filled with ups and downs, showcasing the team's ability to persevere and deliver when it mattered most. The $300,000 prize money will also provide a significant boost to the program as they look to build on this success in the future.

The details

After Oklahoma threatened to pull away in the second half, the Mountaineers chipped away at the deficit, getting stops on defense and making just enough plays to hang around. Led by Honor Huff's hot shooting, West Virginia was able to regain the lead late and execute down the stretch to secure the victory in overtime.

  • The Crown Championship game was played on April 5, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The players

Honor Huff

A senior guard for the West Virginia Mountaineers, Huff led the team to victory with a 29-point performance, including 7 three-pointers, in his final game.

West Virginia Mountaineers

The men's basketball team from West Virginia University, who fought back from a second-half deficit to capture the Crown Championship title and a $300,000 prize.

Oklahoma Sooners

The men's basketball team from the University of Oklahoma, who fell to the Mountaineers in the championship game.

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What they’re saying

“This team just wouldn't quit.”

— Brad Smith, Author

“That's special. That's a Mountaineer.”

— Brad Smith, Author

What’s next

The Mountaineers will now look to build on this championship victory as they prepare for the upcoming season and a chance to defend their title.

The takeaway

The Mountaineers' come-from-behind victory in the Crown Championship showcases the team's resilience and determination, proving that they never give up and always find a way to win, even in the face of adversity.