Big 12 Basketball: Baylor, Texas remain on top in 2020-21 power rankings

It has been a rocky road over the past few weeks. This was fueled by the shocking announcement of All-Big 12 Oscar Tshiebwe’s transfer from the program. After being down 19 to Oklahoma State, the Mountaineers climbed back to shock the Cowboys.

Even with the departure of Tshiebwe, West Virginia’s frontcourt is still among the best in the conference. Derek Culver dominated this game, going for 22 points and 19 rebounds. The Mountaineers got their best performance on the season from Taz Sherman with his 20 points.

Winning a game in that fashion jolts momentum. On the horizon was a matchup with No.4 Texas, with a chance at a Q1 win at home.

The Mountaineers were on the verge of an upset until a go-ahead winning shot from Andrew Jones sealed the deal. The Mountaineers dominated the offensive glass and held Texas to just 21 percent from beyond the arc.

Emmitt Matthews missed two free throws with ten seconds to go. On the other end, it would be a wide-open three-pointer that Jones would hit, just like he has over the past four seasons. A heartbreaking loss for West Virginia, who led the majority of the game.

The frontcourt of the Mountaineers is still very good and West Virginia can compete with anyone in the conference. The execution down the stretch was less than desirable. Even for a head coach that is essentially in the Hall of Fame in Bob Huggins.

The gauntlet doesn’t get any easier with a road trip on Tuesday to No. 2 Baylor. They will then come back on that Saturday to face TCU.