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Konate’s intensity gives West Virginia a bump in Backyard Brawl

COMMENTRARY

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After two MRIs, a string of absentee practices, and legions of doubters suddenly wondering whether NBA ambitions were interfering with his college team’s mission, Sagaba Konate reclaimed his rightful place Saturday.

At the rim.

Seven blocks earned him the West Virginia career record and the satisfaction of beating Pitt.

“They’re not going to come here and beat us — that ain’t happening,” Konate told me after the Mountaineers prevailed 69-59.

So what if the Backyard Brawl took a hiatus? Whether you’re from West Virginia or West Africa, you felt the extra juice flowing for this game.