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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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Gut reaction two: foul trouble is killing West Virginia

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) /

The Mountaineers had already racked up ten fouls just over the halfway point in the first half. Fouling this much is unacceptable, especially in a crucial game such as Saturday’s.

West Virginia awarded Arkansas more opportunities, points, and possessions than they deserved. This killed West Virginia’s momentum, kept the crowd in the game, and allowed Arkansas to extend their lead.

The second half saw more of the same as West Virginia got into foul trouble early with sloppy, unorganized play. Once again, the Mountaineers handed Arkansas more points and killed their possessions with lazy fouls.

Not even 15-seconds into the second half, West Virginia picked up their first personal foul; it was all downhill from there as the Razorbacks would immediately hit a layup to extend their lead.
In total, the Mountaineers would pick up 29 fouls throughout the game.

There were plays in this game that could have resulted in a West Virginia possession or scoring opportunity. These fouling issues allowed Arkansas to push themselves past the struggling Mountaineers time and time again.

If West Virginia wants to have any chance to win games in the Big 12 or to make the tournament in March, they need to get these fouling issues in check.

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