WVU Beats Stanford in Overtime, Advances to College Basketball Crown Semifinal

The Mountaineers overcame a late deficit to force overtime and secure the victory, continuing their surprising postseason run.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:53pm

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In a back-and-forth game that mirrored their entire season, the West Virginia Mountaineers defeated the Stanford Cardinal 82-77 in overtime to advance to the semifinal of the College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas. The Mountaineers, who had struggled with late-game collapses throughout the year, this time managed to make the plays down the stretch to force overtime and ultimately prevail.

Why it matters

West Virginia's win over Stanford not only keeps their season alive, but also breaks new ground for the program. The Mountaineers had not won an overtime game all year, nor had they won a neutral-site contest prior to this tournament. Their ability to overcome these hurdles and reach the semifinal represents a significant milestone in what has been an up-and-down but ultimately successful campaign.

The details

After building an early lead, the Mountaineers saw Stanford battle back and take control late in the game. However, West Virginia closed the fourth quarter on a 9-1 run, capped by a clutch performance from guard Honor Huff, to force overtime. In the extra period, the Mountaineers outscored the Cardinal 9-1 to secure the victory and advance to the next round.

  • The game took place on April 5, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • West Virginia and Stanford were tied at the end of regulation, forcing the game into overtime.

The players

Honor Huff

A key guard for the West Virginia Mountaineers who made the crucial plays down the stretch to force overtime and lead his team to victory.

West Virginia Mountaineers

The men's basketball team from West Virginia University, who have defied expectations this season and are now one win away from playing for a postseason title.

Stanford Cardinal

The men's basketball team from Stanford University, who put up a strong fight against West Virginia but ultimately fell short in overtime.

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What they’re saying

“At this point, if they were a band, we'd have the setlist memorized.”

— Josh Whitt, Podcast Host

“WVU hadn't won a game in overtime all season. They hadn't won a neutral-site game, either. Both of those changed in Las Vegas and now they're one win away from playing for a postseason title, whatever this tournament ends up meaning.”

— Josh Whitt, Podcast Host

What’s next

West Virginia will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup in the College Basketball Crown championship game, with the date and time to be determined.

The takeaway

West Virginia's thrilling overtime victory against Stanford not only keeps their season alive, but also demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to overcome their previous struggles. This win represents a significant milestone for the program and sets them up for a chance to play for a postseason title, a remarkable achievement considering their up-and-down regular season.