The Diehard Breakdown: WV 83 NC State 69

[WvuDieHard]

When a team makes 10 of its last 11 shots to close out a game, they are probably going to win 99% of the time. The Mountaineers did just that tonight to hold off the Wolfpack in a game that saw 52 fouls called. It seems that these are the games that WV comes out on top of even if it is ugly. Tonight the game was not all sloppy as the Mountaineers did show they had the ability to score in stretches; however, NC State got back in the game when WV had long droughts such as not scoring for 3 minutes to start the 2nd half which let the Wolfpack cut a 9 point halftime lead down to 3. Yet, when WV really needed a bucket, it was Staten and a cross over dribble that produced a 15ft. jump shot that found nothing but net.

WV was led in scoring by Staten with 24 points followed by Williams with 16 and Paige with 11. The WV defense was again its normal self forcing 23 Wolfpack turnovers which is exactly the number WV has averaged on the season to lead the NCAA. The Mountaineers won the rebounding battle 28-26 and had 10 steals. Wv shoots 53% from the field and hits 7-13 from behind the arc. The most amazing storyline tonight regarding statistics was the fact WV got 22 more shots than NC State and that my friends is what full court pressure and 23 turnovers will do for you.

In conclusion, this was a fairly well played game for WV although NC State didn't have the game plan necessary to beat WV. I believe 2 things will be the Mountaineers biggest issues as we go forward: 1) big penetrating guards who can dish off the press and in the paint 2) inconsistency shooting the ball in the half court set. As we get into the Big 12, you are going to see those guards so it will be interesting if Huggins will make adjustments. Otherwise, who can complain about 10 wins on the 21st of December? This is a good basketball team that has a chance to be special if it can figure it out between the ears. Have a great weekend Mountaineer fans wherever your country road has taken you!

 

[bbwvfan]

Fun game to watch. I hated seeing WVU's lead fall to 1 point, but I liked how they responded to NC State's run in the 2nd half.

I thought it was interesting to see WVU feed Devin in the post as much as they did tonight. Something must have been picked up in the NC State game film. Devin had a nice game.

Too many stupid fouls by WVU… some were by the front court guys 40 feet away from the basket. Did not agree with a bunch of the fouls called against WVU tonight. Charging fouls on Wanny? Blocking calls under the basket?

Tarik has to work on his FT shooting. A guard cannot shoot that poorly from the line.

Like Huggy said in his post game presser… good Team win.

 

[GoldRusher]

Looked better in this one than we have in the last few. Still have a long way to go but at the same time not too far from being a good team. Keep climbing!

 

[Anotherwvufan]

Our guys just looked faster, and relentless. I like how Huggs has reinvented himself with the full court press. It really shows he knows how to coach. He will never get the NBA destined guys, but makes the most of what he has.