MORGANTOWN, W. Va. – In a game labeled "crucial" for the postseason chances of both teams, the West Virginia Mountaineers had the extra second-half gear, pulling away and then holding off the Cincinnati Bearcats, 62-59 Wednesday night.

The No. 18 West Virginia Mountaineers (22-6, 11-5) are on the road to take on the Cincinnati Bearcats (15-12, 7-10) for the 17th meeting between the two programs. West Virginia vs. Cincinnati Series History West Virginia leads 11-5 Last Meeting: No.

The Mountaineers trailed by six with inside 8 minutes remaining, before leading by nine with inside 10 seconds to play. The Bearcats' Tyler Betsey missed a three-point attempt to tie just before time expired.