The Sports Xchange
Nov 20, 2017
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Known for his shot-blocking, Sagaba Konate enjoyed some shot-making for a change in a 20-point performance that helped No. 23 West Virginia to a 91-62 victory over Long Beach State on Monday night.
The sophomore center, averaging 4.3 points per game in his career, made 8 of 10 shots from the field, mixing low-post moves with mid-range jumpers.
The Mountaineers (3-1) also found production from their usual sources. Lamont West scored 22 points, and Jevon Carter added 13 points and seven assists.
Gabe Levin was stellar in a losing effort for Long Beach State (2-2), finishing with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Konate and Mountaineers reserve guard Chase Harler had career scoring highs by halftime, combining for 26 points when West Virginia opened a 47-30 cushion.
Harler finished with 14 points while hitting 4 of 6 from 3-point range, contributing to the Mountaineers' 27-2 edge in bench scoring.
Bryan Alberts made six 3-pointers in a 20-point outing for the 49ers, who took their second defeat in 48 hours after losing at Oregon State. They committed 21 turnovers, shot 37.5 percent from the field and were outrebounded 41-31.
West Virginia won despite a four-point night from Daxter Miles, who came in averaging 18.3.