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West Virginia basketball: gut reactions from the loss at Arkansas

By Christopher Mangum

Jan 22, 2022; Lubbock, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Bob Huggins reacts in the second half during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2022; Lubbock, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Bob Huggins reacts in the second half during the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Saturday afternoon, West Virginia traveled to Fayetteville, AR, to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. From tip-off to the final seconds, it was clear that the Mountaineers were out-matched by Arkansas as the Razorbacks routed the Mountaineers.

469. 77. 524. Final. 68

Gut reaction one: the Mountaineers passing is horrendous

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 18: Gabe Osabuohien #3 of the West Virginia Mountaineers dribbles the ball during the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic college basketball tournament against the West Virginia Mountaineers at the TD Arena on November 18, 2021 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 18: Gabe Osabuohien #3 of the West Virginia Mountaineers dribbles the ball during the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic college basketball tournament against the West Virginia Mountaineers at the TD Arena on November 18, 2021 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

One thing has become apparent throughout this season: the Mountaineers passing and court vision cannot get much worse. Heading into Saturday’s game, West Virginia averaged 10.2 assists per game, good enough to rank them 334th nationally.

Passing is an essential part of basketball, yet this team refuses to play team basketball. The Mountaineers turned the ball over more by not passing, getting their shots blocked, and accidentally fouling. This has also contributed to the Mountaineers’ struggles on the offensive side of the ball.

This takeaway is not limited to the game against Arkansas. Instead, it has become a team-wide issue that head coach Bob Huggins will need to address if this squad has any hope of becoming semi-competitive once again.

The Mountaineers passing issues are problematic for the team itself, but even more so for its culture. After West Virginia’s 13-2 start, the Mountaineers have continued to fall apart. This season will not get back on track if this team doesn’t mesh; so far, this team has seemingly yet to figure this out.

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