Morgantown, West Virginia – The West Virginia Mountaineers (5-1) struggled offensively for most of the game and barely managed to get past a really tough, upset-minded Eastern Kentucky (5-2) team, 80-77.
West Virginia shot poorly from the three point line (21.7%) and the foul line (61.3%) for most of the game, but managed to do just enough to get the win at home.
Senior guard Taz Sherman carried the Mountaineers offensively, scoring a team-high 28 points. Malik Curry added 16 points, 2 assists and 2 steals. Sean McNeil (5 points, 2-11 FG, 1-8 3PT) and Jalen Bridges (5 points, 1-7 FG, 0-4 3PT) both had their worst offensive games of the season tonight.
The Mountaineers are back in action on Tuesday, November 30th against the Bellermine Knights, who are currently 1-5 on the season. The game will once again be televised live on ESPN+.
Observations
West Virginia must get better in a number of areas to really be successful this season:
- Guarding the three point line. The Mountaineers give up entirely too many open three pointers, particularly in the corns.
- Finish around the basket. West Virginia must develop an inside game. The interior players do not take it up and finish strong right now.
- Jalen Bridges has to become more aggressive offensively. When Sean McNeil is struggling from the field – like he did tonight – Bridges has to step up and become the team’s second scorer.
