March Madness: Marshall and West Virginia reignite local rivalry with Sweet Sixteen on the line
Marshall basketball plays their second game of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday. What can be expected of them in their second round match-up?
‘Ocean Roads, take me home,
To the place, where I belong.
San Diego, Beachside Baby,
Take me home, Ocean Roads.’
Ok so maybe that isn’t the John Denver classic, but it is fitting as the two teams from the Mountain State face off in Southern California on Sunday. The Mountaineers being here was expected. The Herd was a bit of a shock. These two teams have not played each other since 2015 with West Virginia winning by 18. So, what should we know as the Herd thunder toward this game?
How did they get here?
Marshall pulled the upset over Wichita State 81-75. In doing so the Herd became the second 13 seed to upset a 4 seed this season and won their first-ever game in the NCAA tournament.
Marshall got a big game from junior guard Jon Elmore who finished with 27 points and four assists, while also going 11-15 from the free throw line. They also got a solid game from Ajdin Penava who had 16 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks but also struggled with fouls, fouling out with 29 seconds remaining.
Biggest Question?
Can Marshall beat the vaunted West Virginia Press?
Marshall ranks 200th in the nation with 13.21 turnovers per game. There two guards both turn the ball over more than three times per game. Enter West Virginia. The Mountaineers run a press that can really mess with teams, forcing over eight steals per game, tied for 14th best nationally. In their win over Murray State, West Virginia had nine steals and forced the Racers into 16 turnovers.
If Marshall is to beat their in-state rivals, they will have to play a game similar to the one against Wichita State where they only had nine turnovers.
Next: Impact of UMBC's historic upset win
Prediction
West Virginia 77, Marshall 73. It is hard to pick against the Thundering Herd right now. However, I am just not sure they will be able to have the same success against the Mountaineers. West Virginia wins the John Denver classic and advances to the Sweet 16.