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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LUBBOCK, TEXAS – JANUARY 29: Guard Terrence Shannon Jr. #1 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders drives against guard Jordan McCabe #5 of the West Virginina Mountaineers (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

2. Pressure Devon Dotson into mistakes

The leader for the Kansas Jayhawks this season has been sophomore point guard Devon Dotson. Dotson has established himself as one of the best players in the country and is the favorite to win the Big 12 Player of the Year.

Dotson is the Jayhawks’ leading scorer and passer. In Kansas’ win over TCU on Saturday, Dotson logged his first-career double-double.

Unfortunately for Dotson, Morgantown is a whole different animal than Fort Worth. The Mountaineers play in one of the toughest home environments, which is a recipe for disaster when it comes to the quality of play from key decision-makers on the road team.

In order for the Mountaineers to limit Kansas on offense, they will need to make Dotson a non-factor. This is done the easiest by running a full-court press, which will force him to give the ball up earlier, and take him off the ball, where he struggles.

If the Mountaineers can force Dotson into five-plus turnovers, they’ll have a great chance to pull off the upset. Kansas’ offense runs through the hands of Dotson, therefore by neutralizing him, Kansas will have a hard time getting much of anything on offense.

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