Ohio State vs. West Virginia: 2019-20 key storylines for ranked matchup
By Brian Rauf
2) Interior battle
One of the factors behind WVU’s decision to not press as much this year is because they have some real studs in the frontcourt.
Five-star freshman Oscar Tshiebwe and sophomore star Derek Culver have both been dominant for the Mountaineers, serving as the team’s two leading scorers and each nearly averaging double-doubles (12.9 ppg, 9.3 rpg for Tshiebwe and 11.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg for Culver).
Something old and something new from Oscar Tshiebwe. First, a ridiculous contested rebound, then a one-legged turnaround off glass pic.twitter.com/3FBHXyocmX
— Max Carlin (@maxacarlin) December 24, 2019
H🏠MECOMING KINGS 👑
— WDTV 5 Sports (@WDTVSports) December 22, 2019
Derek Culver and @Oscartshiebwe34 combine for 34 points and 13 rebounds in their return to Youngstown, leading No. 2⃣5⃣ WVU to a 75-64 win over the Penguins. 🏀 @Okaytazoo @deucemcb11 pic.twitter.com/6DeuGyHUMU
As good as those two are, Ohio State may have the best big man on the court in junior Kaleb Wesson. The 6-9, 270-pounder has the size and touch to bury opponents in the post, yet he also has enough range to be a legitimate threat from three-point range. Wesson is also a gifted passer and Ohio State utilizes that by running a good number of sets through him.
It’s strength vs. strength here, and both teams rely on their big men to produce in a significant way on a consistent basis. If someone gains an edge here, it will be huge in determining the outcome.