The No. 4-seeded Mountaineers face the No. 13-seeded Bucknell Bison on Thursday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. After last year’s first round disappointment, WVU basketball isn’t overlooking anyone this time around.
The Patriot League Champion Bucknell Bison (26-8) apparently feel confident heading into Thursday’s 2:45 p.m. tip-off.
“If I were them (West Virginia), I’d be very scared,” claimed senior center Ben Oberfeld to The Daily Item when learning of Bucknell’s opponent. “We will get it done.”
Oberfeld sure is
cocky
confident. That almost sounded like a guarantee. Let’s take a look at his season and see what he’ll bring to the table versus the Mountaineers.
The senior’s ESPN player profile doesn’t give us much information, but that’s because there isn’t a whole lot to have. He’s twice averaged in the 4-minute range for minutes per game, but saw a career-high his sophomore season with 7.7.
“If I were them (West Virginia), I’d be very scared. We will get it done.” – – Ben Oberfeld
His first career start came on Senior Day this season in February against Navy, when he logged only one minute. If you head over to the Bucknell basketball page, you’ll learn why. Oberfeld’s dealt with injuries his entire career, this year being no different. He’ll most-likely be in street clothes, or just don the warm-up gear one last time with his teammates from the pine. Their site raves about him like he would’ve given Elijah Macon a battle in the post, too; his screams and jeers from the bench will have to suffice.
You don’t hear West Virginia’s Chase Harler or Logan Routt barking out nonsense. “Look out ! We’re coming to take you down!” It would put unwarranted pressure and focus on guys like Jevon Carter and Tarik Phillip. They didn’t make that statement, but they’re the ones who affect the result most. (Harler and Routt will get their chance, they just average the fewest minutes on this year’s roster.)
Oberfeld doesn’t have to live up to his claim, his teammates that are healthy do. Players like Stephen Brown, Kimbal Mackenzie and Zach Thomas. These three lead the Bison in minutes per game, but Bucknell goes deep into it’s bench. Eleven players play at least 8 minutes per game, which could prove to be beneficial against the press of West Virginia. The Mountaineers only have 10 players who play 8 minutes a game, but James “Beetle” Bolden just missed the cutoff. Thomas is the leading scorer for the Bison averaging 16 points per game, followed by Nana Foulland scoring 14.9.
What West Virginia team will show up?
The Big 12 Tournament was rough, but it’s over. Don’t expect to see that WVU team again, unless we meet another conference team for a Big 12 showdown. Those teams are familiar with our style, our press. It’s like using the same moves on your little brother over the course of growing up – after so long he’s going to catch you and think he’s the greatest. (What’s up, Jo?) Expect the press to work. Expect Carter and Nathan Adrian and Esa Ahmad to hit shots. But most importantly, expect this team to play hard for Huggy Bear. Let’s Go!