West Virginia Basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Mountaineers
By Connor Hope
Key non-conference games
Nov. 10 – Texas A&M (Armed Forces Classic)
Nov. 20 – Long Beach State (Advocare Invitational)
Nov. 23-26 – Advocare Invitational
Dec. 5 – Virginia
Jan. 27 – Kentucky
The West Virginia Mountaineers have set up a pretty favorable non-conference schedule, with their only true road game coming against a very weak Pittsburgh team. Their games against Virginia and Texas A&M will be extremely tough, as both teams will likely flirt with the top-25 this reason. Missing Esa Ahmad for these games is not a death sentence but will likely cause the Mountaineers to lose a game or two that they would otherwise win.
Fortunately for the Mountaineers, Ahmad should be back in time for the Big 12/SEC Challenge, giving them a better chance to beat Kentucky. This schedule is perfect for the Mountaineers, providing them with ample challenge and RPI-boosting games, while still preventing Ahmad’s absence from being an overwhelming issue.
Key Conference Games
Jan. 9 – Baylor
Jan. 15 – Kansas
Jan. 22 – @ TCU
Feb. 12 – TCU
Feb. 17 – @ Kansas
Feb. 20 – @ Baylor
While teams like Texas and Oklahoma look to improve on last season, there are three teams in the Big 12, along with West Virginia, that appear to be a step above the rest. The Mountaineers’ games against Baylor, TCU and Kansas will likely be the deciding factor in their finish within the conference.
It is no secret that Morgantown is one of the toughest places to play in the conference, but the Mountaineers still need to avoid losing at home. Their game at Kansas could very well decide whether West Virginia can win a share of the Big 12, and the games at Baylor and TCU are must-wins if they want to finish in second.