MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — No. 17 West Virginia wrapped up its nonconference schedule in dominant fashion, routing Virginia Tech 82-51 before a near-sellout crowd Tuesday afternoon.
Juwan Staten scored 18 points, Gary Browne added 12 and West Virginia forced 25 turnovers to the delight of the 13,330 fans who packed the WVU Coliseum and jeered former Marquette coach Buzz Williams.
The Mountaineers (12-1), who shot 50 percent and outrebounded Virginia Tech 36-22, will enter Big 12 play on Saturday at TCU off to their best start since the 2009-10 season.
Nathan Adrian and Devin Williams scored nine points each and Jaysean Paige added eight for West Virginia, which made 10-of-24 from 3-point range and outscored the Hokies (8-5) in the second half 49-21.
Staten sank 3-of-4 from long distance and Browne made both of his 3-point tries.
Satchel Pierce and Adam Smith scored 10 each for Virginia Tech, which is slated to become an annual opponent on the Mountaineers’ nonleague schedule.
Williams grabbed 11 boards and guard Daxter Miles pulled down six. Jevon Carter made five steals off the bench.