Darryl Bryant poured in a career-high 34 points, including 11 during a late 20-4 run that spurred host West Virginia past Villanova 83-69 in the Big East opener for both.

The senior Bryant combined with freshman Gary Browne for all the scoring during the burst as the Mountaineers (10-3) made it seven straight meetings the schools have alternated wins.

Browne delivered all of his 11 points in the second half, and Kevin Jones added 13 points and seven rebounds for West Virginia, which was coming off back-to-back overtime games at the Las Vegas Classic (a win over Missouri State and loss to No. 7 Baylor).

Dominic Cheek and Maalik Wayns had 20 points apiece for Villanova (7-6), which is 1-6 on the road. A jumper by Wayns had tied what was a close game throughout at 63 with 5:50 remaining before Bryant and Browne took over.

Neither team led by more than six in the first half. The Mountaineers claimed a 40-36 halftime edge despite getting points from only four players – Bryant (13 points), Jones (11), Deniz Kilicli (eight) and reserve Aaron Brown (eight).

Cheek surpassed his 11.5 points game average by halftime on a late three-point play late that gave him 13 at the break. The junior guard added five more as part of a 9-1 run that put Villanova ahead 45-41.