On February 8th, West Virginia snapped a 7-game losing streak to get their third conference win of the year, 79-63 over Iowa State. The Mountaineers upset a team that received votes in the most recent AP Poll. Their biggest key to victory was that of Taz Sherman. This game was a much-needed victory, as this was the first win for WVU in nearly a month.
The Taz Sherman Difference
Sherman missed the last contest against Texas Tech, and his ability was sorely missed in the Mountaineers’ fall to the Red Raiders. With him back in the lineup, a different West Virginia team took the court to face the Cyclones.
Sherman led the team in scoring, netting 16 points on four-for-ten shooting, taking on five points from the charity stripe.
Sherman’s impact could be felt throughout the West Virginia squad for more than just his scoring prowess. In the last loss to the Red Raiders, West Virginia had six total assists. Last Tuesday, Sherman alone had six assists.
With his presence on the court, the Mountaineer offense can compete with anyone in the Big 12.
Defensively, Sherman’s seven defensive rebounds led the team. In his 31 minutes played, Sherman did not commit a foul.
HONORABLE MENTION
To not mention Malik Curry in the discussion for player of the game would be a crime. Curry finished with 14 points and went a near-perfect 10/11 from the free throw line to help finish off the Cyclones. He would then pile on five straight points to help ensure the game was out of reach, with around two minutes remaining in the second half.
RECAP
This victory is just what the Mountaineers needed. Taz Sherman is more than just good at basketball. With Sherman on his A-game, this team can compete with any squad in the country.
Sherman is a clean player whose impact is felt on both ends of the court while putting up 15 points is needed by any team in the country, and West Virginia is lucky enough to claim him as its own.