Finley Bizjack scored 15 points to help West Virginia secure a 75-61 victory over Mercer on Thursday night, FOX Sports reported.
The Mountaineers utilized a decisive second-half surge to overcome a late first-half rally by the Bears. West Virginia (3-0) opened the second half with a 12-3 run, establishing a lead they would not relinquish for nearly the remainder of the contest. This win marks a perfect start to the season for the Mountaineers as they prepare for high-stakes matchups in the coming week.
The game remained competitive well into the first half. Mercer (2-3) used an 11-2 scoring surge late in the opening period to tie the game at 28-all. However, Bizjack answered that momentum with a three-pointer at the buzzer, sending West Virginia into the locker room with a 31-28 halftime advantage.
Efficiency in the second half proved to be the deciding factor. The Mountaineers shot 50% from the floor after the break, improving from their 10-of-32 first half. This offensive adjustment allowed West Virginia to maintain a double-digit cushion for most of the second half.
While Bizjack provided the scoring spark, the Mountaineers relied on a balanced attack to pull away. Miles Sadler and Javan Buchanan each contributed 12 points to the victory. The scoring distribution highlights the depth West Virginia is currently displaying as they move toward their upcoming schedule.
| Player | Points Scored | Notable Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Miles Sadler | 12 | 4-of-11 from the field |
| Javan Buchanan | 12 | 8-of-11 from the free-throw line |
| Shane Cherry (Mercer) | 20 | 6-of-13 from the field |
For Mercer, Shane Cherry led the scoring effort with 20 points. Karon Boyd also contributed to the Bears’ effort, tallying 10 points and securing eight rebounds. Despite the loss, Mercer showed resilience by making all eight of their free-throw attempts before the halftime break.
The statistical gap between the two teams became most evident in their shooting accuracy. West Virginia’s ability to convert from distance and the charity stripe allowed them to dictate the tempo once the second half began. Bizjack and Sadler combined for 13 points after the break, while Buchanan added 11 points in the final period.
The implications of this victory extend beyond the immediate win. West Virginia’s undefeated start leads to a major test in the Players Era 8 in Las Vegas. The Mountaineers are scheduled to play Auburn on Tuesday.
Mercer will look to rebound from this defeat as they travel to face Presbyterian on Wednesday. For the Bears, the focus will likely shift to correcting the scoring droughts that allowed West Virginia to pull ahead during the second-half run.
West Virginia plays Auburn in the Players Era 8 in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
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