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Can West Virginia Mountaineers Upset No. 9 Texas Tech?
As the West Virginia Mountaineers gear up to face off against the ninth-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders in Lubbock this Saturday, the stakes couldn't be higher. This matchup is crucial not just for bragging rights, but it will significantly impact West Virginia's NCAA Tournament standing. For fans, the anticipation is palpable. Can the Mountaineers pull off a stunning upset? Here’s what they need to focus on.
Key to Success: Freeing Up Javon Small
One of the most vital strategies for West Virginia will be liberating their star guard, Javon Small. Small is a dynamic player who can change the game’s tempo and create scoring opportunities. By ensuring he has the space to operate, the Mountaineers can exploit defensive weaknesses and potentially draw fouls from key Texas Tech players.
Maximizing Second Chance Opportunities
Next, the Mountaineers must focus on rebounding, particularly offensive rebounds. Given that Texas Tech has a strong frontcourt led by JT Toppin, who is averaging impressive numbers, West Virginia must capitalize on any extra possessions they can create. Gaining second chances can be pivotal; it not only provides more opportunities to score but also can apply pressure on the Red Raiders’ defense.
Defensive Strategy: Running Texas Tech Off the Line
Texas Tech boasts a potent offense with several players who are a threat from beyond the arc. To counter this, West Virginia's defense must prioritize running the Red Raiders off the three-point line. By contesting shots and forcing them to take difficult, low-percentage shots, the Mountaineers can tilt the game in their favor.
The Game’s Context
West Virginia arrives at this game with a record of 16-10, having recently secured a win against Cincinnati. However, their inconsistency has been a point of concern, as they were fortunate to come out on top in that game. Meanwhile, Texas Tech enters the contest with a record of 20-6 and has shown vulnerability after a surprising loss to TCU. This may provide West Virginia a window of opportunity if they can maintain their focus and capitalize on Texas Tech's potential distractions.
Why an Upset is Possible
The combination of the Mountaineers' need for a signature win and Texas Tech's upcoming contentious schedule against Houston and Kansas may just set the stage for a memorable upset. Coach Darian DeVries is known for preparing his team strategically against high-ranked opponents, which could play a significant role. If the Mountaineers can effectively execute their game plan, they might just leave Lubbock with a monumental victory.
Conclusion
As the game day approaches, excitement will build among fans and analysts alike. With a focus on freeing Javon Small, capitalizing on offensive rebounds, and tightening their defensive perimeter, the Mountaineers will look to defy all odds. The road to victory will be challenging, but in the world of college basketball, anything is possible. Tune into ESPN+ at 1 p.m. on Saturday to catch all the action and see if West Virginia can brew up a memorable upset against Texas Tech!
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