Javon Small shines again in West Virginia’s overtime loss to Louisville
In semifinal action of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, West Virginia faced an old Big East rival in the Louisville Cardinals. After their upset win over the third-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs, West Virginia was back on the floor in The Bahamas not even 24 hours later with a noon tip-off on Thanksgiving Day.
Unfortunately for WVU, a second win in as many days wasn't in the cards. But there were positives in the loss, and one thing stands out in particular following the 79-70 overtime loss.
Javon Small is an All-Big-12 caliber player
Javon Small is playing like an all-conference performer to this point on the young season. Through two tough non-conference tests in The Bahamas, he has been nothing short of spectacular.
Small went for 25+ points twice in under 24 hours in overtime action. Against Louisville he scored 26 points and tallied 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals. The day prior in the upset against Gonzaga, he wetn for 31 points and 7 boards. He led his team in scoring in both outings.
The combination of Small and forward Tucker DeVries was expected to be a special one this season. Thus far, both have impressed, but Small’s performance over the last 2 games has made him the frontrunner for the most valuable player on this team. He can create shots for himself and others, rebound the ball -- something that the team needs desperately from the guard position -- and play solid defense. If Small, Amani Hansberry, and DeVries remain steady for this team while getting some additional help, the Mountaineers may be more competitive in Big 12 play than the experts were thinking entering the season.
Other Takeaways From West Virginia vs. Louisville
1. West Virginia needs scoring production from the bench unit
Through two games in The Bahamas, West Virginia has just 5 points off bench, all of which coming from the true freshman, Jonathan Powell. As good as Small, Hansberry, and DeVries have been, that is not sustainable. They must get scoring from elsewhere.
2. Perspective is key
Although they dropped the game to Louisville, we cannot lose sight of what the Mountaineers were able to accomplish just one day prior. The win over Gonzaga and even the overtime loss to Louisville gives fans plenty to be encouraged about. Do not let recency bias rid you of the feeling from Wednesday’s victory., especially compared to expectations entering the tournament.
3. The foul discrepancy was too much to overcome
West Virginia was called for 29 team fouls compared to 15 committed by the Cardinals. West Virginia attempted 12 free throws compared to 33 by Louisville. Whatever angle you want to take with that (lack of discipline or poor officiating), the facts are the facts. This differential had a large impact on the game. Tucker DeVries fouled out of the game with 2:30 remaining in overtime, and from that point, it was just about all Cardinals who pulled away to win by 9.