West Virginia Basketball: 2019-20 keys to beat Kansas Jayhawks at home

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - JANUARY 29: Forward Derek Culver #1 of the West Virginia Mountaineers shoots a free throw during the second half of the college basketball game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on January 29, 2020 at United Supermarkets Arena in Lubbock, Texas. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

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MORGANTOWN, WV – FEBRUARY 01: Oscar Tshiebwe #34 of the West Virginia Mountaineers (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

1. Oscar Tshiebwe needs a signature performance

Of the many factors in West Virginia’s resurgence in 2020, freshman center Oscar Tshiebwe might just be the biggest, both figuratively and literally.

The 6-foot-9 freshman is averaging 11 points and nine rebounds per game on the season. In the Mountaineers’ first game against the Jayhawks this season, Tshiebwe logged 17 points and 17 rebounds.

An identical performance would be a huge boost for West Virginia, however, it did not lead to a win in the first matchup.

Anything more than a 17-17 game would be a lot to ask, especially against the red-hot Udoka Azubuike. Defeating Kansas is a tall task any year, and it takes career-high performances to down the Jayhawks most times.

In this case, the Mountaineers are going to need a 20-20 game from Tshiebwe to pick up the win.

Oscar has flown under the radar for most of the season, so a signature performance in a major upset win for the Mountaineers would vault him into the national picture.

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