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WvuDieHard
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If you have a heart condition(as I do), West Virginia Basketball is not good to watch. Your blood pressure will rise and you will experience a rapid heart beat. For much of the season, that explains this team's play especially in conference where anybody can beat you on any given night. Senior night was a little different though as West Virginia ended it's regular season Friday with a convincing 87-76 victory over Iowa State to finish the campaign at 24-7 & 12-6 in the conference.
The Mountaineers struggled though out the first half to contain the 3 point shooting of Iowa State as the Cyclones rained 9 3's to trail by a score of 43-42 at the half. The second half was a different story as WV tightened the defense and ran better offensive sets to finish off the Cyclones.
Daxter Miles showed up last night to lead the Mountaineers in scoring with 23 points and 7 rebounds. The scoring was rounded out with Adrian chipping in 16, Carter 13, and Macon 10. WV dominated the glass (something that killed them in Waco) 48-29. Most impressive was the 18 offensive rebounds. ISU had 14 turnovers while WV made 15. Tarik Phillips had a career high 10 assists.
In review of this game, as most usually, it boils down to how many extra shots does the Mountaineers get? Tonight we got seven and that was not because of the turnovers we created as much as it was from the offensive rebounds. I like to see a 10+ differential in that stat line because let's face it---we don't shoot the ball that well. We have to depend on turnovers and offensive rebounds to win. Last night, I wore a hole in my Lazyboy recliner from pounding the arm rest while screaming "Pump the ball inside goddamn it!" Now for all you Bracketologists, Iowa State will get bounced from the tourney as soon as they see size in the middle. Mark that one down.
As for the Mountaineer's season, it was better than I would have have expected. I was at the Holiday Inn this fall for the Youngstown St. football game and had the chance to talk to Ron Everhart, WV Asst. Basketball Coach. I asked him how we were going to fill the shoes of Devon Williams? Ron replied that we wouldn't but we would be better in other areas of the game--mainly defense. Ron was right. This team plays much better defense than it did last year as we know our responsibilities better in the press and the half court defensive sets. So,to go 24-7 and most likely get a 4 seed--who can complain? Now it is on to Kansas City and a #2seedin the Big 12 tournament. It would be nice to win that Tournament but getting beat out early isn't the end of the world either as I have my eye on the NCAA field of 68. We need a Sweet 16 or better showing this year to bolster recruiting. I think last year's debacle will have this team more focused and ready to accomplish better results. Have a great weekend Mountaineer fans wherever your Country Road has taken you this chilly Saturday morning!
The Mountaineers struggled though out the first half to contain the 3 point shooting of Iowa State as the Cyclones rained 9 3's to trail by a score of 43-42 at the half. The second half was a different story as WV tightened the defense and ran better offensive sets to finish off the Cyclones.
Daxter Miles showed up last night to lead the Mountaineers in scoring with 23 points and 7 rebounds. The scoring was rounded out with Adrian chipping in 16, Carter 13, and Macon 10. WV dominated the glass (something that killed them in Waco) 48-29. Most impressive was the 18 offensive rebounds. ISU had 14 turnovers while WV made 15. Tarik Phillips had a career high 10 assists.
In review of this game, as most usually, it boils down to how many extra shots does the Mountaineers get? Tonight we got seven and that was not because of the turnovers we created as much as it was from the offensive rebounds. I like to see a 10+ differential in that stat line because let's face it---we don't shoot the ball that well. We have to depend on turnovers and offensive rebounds to win. Last night, I wore a hole in my Lazyboy recliner from pounding the arm rest while screaming "Pump the ball inside goddamn it!" Now for all you Bracketologists, Iowa State will get bounced from the tourney as soon as they see size in the middle. Mark that one down.
As for the Mountaineer's season, it was better than I would have have expected. I was at the Holiday Inn this fall for the Youngstown St. football game and had the chance to talk to Ron Everhart, WV Asst. Basketball Coach. I asked him how we were going to fill the shoes of Devon Williams? Ron replied that we wouldn't but we would be better in other areas of the game--mainly defense. Ron was right. This team plays much better defense than it did last year as we know our responsibilities better in the press and the half court defensive sets. So,to go 24-7 and most likely get a 4 seed--who can complain? Now it is on to Kansas City and a #2seedin the Big 12 tournament. It would be nice to win that Tournament but getting beat out early isn't the end of the world either as I have my eye on the NCAA field of 68. We need a Sweet 16 or better showing this year to bolster recruiting. I think last year's debacle will have this team more focused and ready to accomplish better results. Have a great weekend Mountaineer fans wherever your Country Road has taken you this chilly Saturday morning!