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As the college basketball season progresses, all eyes are on the West Virginia Mountaineers as they face a formidable opponent—sixth-ranked Houston Cougars. With a recent losing streak, West Virginia is eager to regain its momentum as they prepare for this much-anticipated matchup scheduled for Wednesday at the WVU Coliseum.
The Mountaineers, under the guidance of first-year head coach Darian DeVries, are striving to overcome recent difficulties. The team faces a tough challenge against the Cougars, who have showcased a dominant performance throughout the season, boasting a 12-game winning streak and a record of 16-3 overall as of their last game.
In the previous contest between these two teams, Houston defeated West Virginia with a score of 70-54. This rematch is critical for the Mountaineers, not only to break their losing streak but also to demonstrate their growth and adaptability on the court.
One of the noteworthy aspects of the Cougars' success lies in their defensive prowess. Leading the nation in scoring defense, Houston allows a mere 55.6 points per game, making it extremely challenging for opponents to score. Coach DeVries acknowledges the challenge Houston presents, stating, "They’re as good as it gets, defensively especially. It’s a hard code to crack and nobody’s really been able to do it much." This formidable defense has forced opposing teams to adapt their game plans significantly.
Despite the setback in their first matchup, the Mountaineers displayed resilience with a shooting percentage of 44.3%. However, their 12 turnovers and limited offensive rebounds contributed to their defeat. DeVries recognizes the need for improvement, particularly in maintaining possession and maximizing scoring opportunities. "You have to really take advantage, and when you get those open cracks or an open step-in three, you have to convert, because they don’t give you very many," he emphasized.
Javon Small, West Virginia's leading scorer with an average of 19.6 points per game, has been critical to the team's offense. However, during the first encounter with Houston, Small was held to 13 points, highlighting the intense defensive strategies employed by the Cougars. Coach DeVries is working diligently to create scoring opportunities for Small while also stressing the importance of contributions from other players. "We can’t put it all on Javon. We have to continue to get that second scorer and third scorer on most nights," DeVries noted.
Another player to watch is Amani Hansberry, who has emerged as a reliable scoring option, averaging 9.7 points per game. Hansberry's performance in the previous game against Houston—where he scored 16 points, primarily in the second half—showed his potential as a key contributor for the Mountaineers. The challenge will be for WVU to find ways to build on these individual strengths to overcome Houston's collective excellence.
Defensively, West Virginia must tighten up their performance to compete effectively against Houston’s high-scoring offense. In their last meeting, the Mountaineers struggled to contain key players like J’Wan Roberts, who scored 22 points, and the strong supporting cast of guards L.J. Cryer and Emanuel Sharp, who combined for 32 points. DeVries highlighted the need for better defensive strategies, emphasizing the importance of not making defensive mistakes that lead to open shots.
As the rematch approaches, both teams are preparing for what promises to be an exciting game. With Houston’s track record of strong performances and West Virginia's determination to bounce back, fans can expect a thrilling encounter. The Mountaineers must capitalize on their home court advantage and strive for a more cohesive team effort to secure a victory against a tough opponent.
The matchup at the WVU Coliseum is more than just a game; it is an opportunity for West Virginia to prove their capabilities and resilience in the face of adversity. As the college basketball season heats up, every game counts, and the Mountaineers are ready to fight for their spot in the rankings.
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