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West Virginia basketball: three keys to victory against Texas Tech

By Christopher Mangum

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 three: scoring

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 18: Sean McNeil #22 of the West Virginia Mountaineers takes a shot over Torrence Watson #5 of the Elon Phoenix in the first half during the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic college basketball tournament at the TD Arena on November 18, 2021 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 18: Sean McNeil #22 of the West Virginia Mountaineers takes a shot over Torrence Watson #5 of the Elon Phoenix in the first half during the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic college basketball tournament at the TD Arena on November 18, 2021 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Thus far, the Mountaineers average close to 69 points per game. This again ranks poorly (279th) among top-tier basketball programs and must change if the Mountaineers plan on winning Saturday’s game.

The Mountaineers’ leading scorer, Taz Sherman, is still questionable for Saturday’s game but likely will not play. Sherman suffered a concussion late in the game after dropping 29 points on the road against Baylor.

West Virginia currently averages 42 percent from the field and 68.6 percent from the free-throw line. Both are underwhelming numbers for the young Mountaineers. West Virginia also averages 31.6 percent from beyond the ark as a team. This is another number that is far too low to win games consistently.

Authors prediction

If the Mountaineers want to get this season turned around, they must beat Texas Tech this Saturday. The game will start at 2:00 pm (EST) and should be a thrilling Big 12 match-up.

If the mountaineers can find a way to rebound the ball better, play more team basketball, and get hot from the field, they will put themselves in a great position to pull off an upset.

Prediction. 70. 468. 71. 469

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