Bryant leads West Virginia over Villanova 83-69

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Darryl “Truck” Bryant’s career-high 34 points led West Virginia to an 83-69 victory over Villanova on Wednesday night.

It was the first Big East Conference game of the season for both the Mountaineers (10-3) and the Wildcats (7-6).

Bryant surpassed his former best of 27 points on Dec. 10 in a 77-66 victory over Miami.

Three other West Virginia players also scored in double figures. Kevin Jones, who suffered a cut and received stitches over his right eye early in the second half, tallied 13 points. Backup freshman guard Gary Browne added 11 points and center Deniz Kilicli had 10.

Villanova was led by Maalik Wayns and Dominic Cheek, who each scored 20 points. Mouphtaou Yarou added 13 for the Wildcats.

The game was tied 63-63 with 5:50 left before the Mountaineers took control with a 14-2 run, including seven points each by Bryant and Browne.