West Virginia basketball: three keys to victory against Texas Tech

Jan 31, 2022; Waco, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers forward Jalen Bridges (11) goes up for the dunk during the first half against the Baylor Bears at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2022; Waco, Texas, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers forward Jalen Bridges (11) goes up for the dunk during the first half against the Baylor Bears at Ferrell Center. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
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Key two: passing the ball

Jan 26, 2022; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Malik Curry (10) dribbles while defended by Oklahoma Sooners guard Bijan Cortes (14) during the first half at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 26, 2022; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Malik Curry (10) dribbles while defended by Oklahoma Sooners guard Bijan Cortes (14) during the first half at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

It has become apparent to many fans, players, and coaches that West Virginia does not play team basketball. While this may be the result of years of locker room tension, this has become a significant issue on the court.

The Mountaineers average just over ten assists per game. That ranks them 425th in the nation and is one of West Virginia’s biggest weaknesses in Big 12 play.

If the Mountaineers cannot start passing the ball better, they will fail again. Passing is a fundamental part of the game; not doing so at the division one level is unacceptable.

Saturday, the Mountaineers will need to start passing and play team basketball to snap their six-game losing streak. The Red Raiders are ranked in the top-15; however, they have a 1-4 road record, which means Saturday could be a very winnable game for the Mountaineers.