RaeQuan Battle after leading West Virginia to win over Toledo: 'All I've wanted to do is sing Country Roads'

It’s been a battle (no pun intended) for RaeQuan Battle to get on the court for West Virginia since taking his talents to the Mountaineers this offseason.

From the basketball court to the legal courts, Battle had to do it all since arriving on campus from Montana State. But after finally being cleared to play for West Virginia, he led them to a victory for the first time at home, and got to sing Take Me Home, Country Roads with his teammates.

“Man, it’s great. Since I’ve touched down in West Virginia, all I’ve wanted to do is sing ‘Country Roads’ after a win. So it feels good,” Battle told ESPN, following the Mountaineers’ win over the Toledo Rockets by ten points.

While West Virginia as a whole played well on Saturday afternoon, Battle led the way with an impressive 29 point effort. He was 9-of-15 from the field, and shot 2-for-3 from deep. Additionally, Battle added three rebounds and an assist to his total.

Nevertheless, he gave all the glory to his teammates, “Team effort. … Everybody played a part in this win. So I’m happy for my team,” he said.

Battle’s a long way from his home state of Washington, as he suits up for West Virginia. The Mountaineers won’t play again until Dec. 30, so he’s headed back West to spend Christmas with his family.

That’s something Battle told ESPN he can’t wait for. It’ll be healthy for him to have some time to reset after the stress some early season drama has put on him.

“It’s great. I can go see my family. Haven’t seen them in a couple months. So I can relax, focus on my mental health. Get back and win more games,” Battle added.

That’s what Mountaineers fans are going to love to hear. They’re going to need Battle at his best, because the road ahead isn’t an easy one.

West Virginia faces Ohio State in their first game back from Christmas break on Dec. 30, in the Legends of Basketball Showcase. The Buckeyes are off to a 10-2 start on the 2023-2024 season, so that would be a nice feather in West Virginia’s cap if they won.

Afterwards, Big 12 Conference play begins, and there won’t be an easy night for the Mountaineers in this conference. They’ll begin with undefeated Houston, followed by Kansas State, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. That’s a gauntlet.

Regardless, RaeQuan Battle can soak in a job well done on Saturday. West Virginia may have been in the middle of a skid, but there’s an opportunity to impress moving forward, and we’re not willing to doubt the Mountaineers.