NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Butler, Villanova rising for the Big East

West Virginia has quietly leaped out to a 10-1 record so far this season while playing a relatively challenging schedule. Even though the Mountaineers have not faced any “elite-level” competition yet this season, they have played seven games against opponents ranked in the KenPom top-150.

They have gone 6-1 in those contests with the lone loss coming on the road against a surprisingly dangerous St. John’s team. WVU’s best win to date is over previously discussed Wichita State on a neutral court.

The main reason for the Mountaineers’ successes so far this season has been a resurgence on the defensive end. Most notably, opponents are shooting just 24.6% from three against the Mountaineers as the team is closing out exceptionally well to make those shots a bit more challenging. Additionally, the team boasts top-100 rankings in both block and steal rates as the likes of Jermaine Haley and Oscar Tshiebwe are anchoring the defensive unit.

Additionally, it is important to mention that those two pieces have excelled on the offensive end of the floor as well. Even though neither stretches the floor with any consistency, they are combining to average 24.0 points per game on over 60% shooting from the floor. Derek Culver (11.4 points, 9.5 rebounds) has also been a superb threat inside while Emmitt Matthews Jr. and Sean McNeil are letting it fly from three at over 40%.