WVU Entertains the Troops

MEN'S HOOP BLOG

By Bryan Messerly for WVUsports.com
August 17, 2011 07:38 PM

West Virginia players spend the day entertain U.S. service personnel in Aviano, Italy.

Submitted photo

AVIANO, Italy - The West Virginia University basketball team spent its Wednesday at Aviano Air Base in Italy providing entertainment to the members of the military.

WVU, along with Illinois, began the day with a one-hour basketball clinic for more than 40 military children, grades six and under.

Next, WVU played the Aviano military team for a 10-minute scrimmage. At the end of 10 minutes, WVU had a 27-8 lead. Kevin Noreen led the way with seven points, while Deniz Kilicli had six and Darryl Bryant four. Pat Forsythe led WVU on the boards with five rebounds.

After Illinois played a 10-minute scrimmage against Aviano, all three teams participated in a dunk contest. Deniz Kilicli, Tommie McCune and Keaton Miles were WVU’s representatives in the contest.

WVU and Illinois then played two 10-minute halves. At the end of 20 minutes, Illinois held a 47-26 lead. WVU’s top scorers were Bryant and Kevin Jones, each scoring eight points. Miles led WVU on the boards with four.

The day ended with both teams signing autographs and posing for pictures with the members of the military and their families. Military personnel from Grafton, Ripley and Princeton were in attendance at the event.

The Mountaineers will conclude their tour of Italy with games on Friday and Saturday against club teams from Italy.

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