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West Virginia basketball: 5 observations from Mountaineers’ heartbreaking loss to Kansas

By Tristan Freeman

MORGANTOWN, WV - JANUARY 24: head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on from the bench in the first half during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at WVU Coliseum on January 24, 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV - JANUARY 24: head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers looks on from the bench in the first half during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks at WVU Coliseum on January 24, 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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Kansas pulled off the huge comeback win at West Virginia on Monday night. Here are five observations from the Big 12 battle.

1. “Small ball” for Kansas worked against West Virginia

Udoka Azubuike is the lone center for Kansas and due to foul trouble, only played in 20 minutes in the game. In a weird way, that might’ve been good for the Jayhawks, particularly when dealing with the full court press of the Mountaineers.

In a small lineup without Azubuike, Kansas did fine against the press as long as Svi Mykhailiuk wasn’t handling the ball (even though he had a great shooting game),

Lagerald Vick didn’t start due to a coaching decision, but after a few giveaways to start the game, he was subbed in and played the rest of the way. For the most part, the Jayhawks had four guards on the court, so they were equipped to deal with “Press Virginia”.

2. Sagaba Konate is the best center in the Big 12

The best player for West Virginia in this game (and especially in the first half) was the sophomore big man Konate, who finished the game with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and five monstrous blocks.

Since becoming a full-time starter this season, the Mountaineer has doubled his production in every category, and has become an elite defensive force in the paint.

Mo Bamba has been good for Texas and has the higher pro ceiling, but at times has been exposed for being in the wrong position on defense. Udoka Azubuike is the best offensive center, but his production also is due to him being the lone option for Kansas down low. In terms of pure impact, I’d go with Konate, who is still growing as a basketball player.

Related Story: Complete preview of West Virginia vs. Kansas

3. Teddy Allen‘s DNP-CD is had an impact in this game

With Esa Ahmad‘s return, Allen’s minutes were already likely to decrease. But he played in minimal minutes in the previous game due to what Coach Huggins said were “attitude issues”. In this game, he didn’t play one minute.

I can’t for sure say why he didn’t play, but assuming it’s due to those same attitude concerns, it’ll be interesting to see how he responds to having another forward back in the fold. He can be instant-offense on the bench and could’ve helped the Mountaineers when they went into their rough stretch.

4. Jevon Carter‘s field goal percentage is a concern

The senior point guard had another rough shooting night, going 4/15 in the game. It’s become par for the course for him, as he’s shot just 33% from the field since league play began.

When watching him play, he always seems to take tough shots, whether it’s forcing one up with the shot clock expiring or taking a step-back after creating separation. Besides Ahmad, Carter is the only Mountaineer who can create his own shot, and opponents know that. If he can shoot better or find a teammate for a better shot, it could improve West Virginia’s offense.

5. Kansas is officially the front-runner to win the Big 12 (once again)

When the Jayhawks were down by 16 points in the first half, they could’ve easily thrown in the towel and chalked it up to a loss to the No. 6 team in the country at their place. But they slowly fought back and claimed a huge win in a game where they probably should’ve lost.

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At this moment, Kansas is on top of the conference and should be the favorite to win it once again until proven otherwise. It certainly won’t be easy, as Texas Tech and Oklahoma both only have one loss and teams can win at Kansas, but if I was a gambler, my money’s on Bill Self and the Jayhawks.

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