The latest episode of the Backyard Brawl has a rebuilt West Virginia squad against Pittsburgh, looking for two straight wins in this rivalry.
TV schedule: Friday, November 15th, 8:00 pm ET. ACC Network
Arena: Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
In the "Backyard Brawl" rivalry between Pittsburgh and West Virginia, the Mountaineers had recently have the edge. But the Panthers finally got a win a year ago, winning 80-63 in Morgantown. This time, they're back in Pittsburgh, withthe Mountaineers being a completely different team.
New head coach Darian DeVries is off to a 2-0 start, with wins over UMass and Robert Morris. They're led by Tucker DeVries, a former 2-time MVC Player of the Year, averaging 17.5 ppg and 6.0 rpg. OK State transfer Javon Small has been an effective lead guard, producing 13.5 ppg and 4.5 rpg. And while the frontcourt doesn't have much depth, former Illinois big Amani Hansberry does have 12.5 ppg and 9.0 rpg.
Pittsburgh is 3-0 to start the season, beating Gardner-Webb, Radford, and Murray State. They also have a pair of impact transfers in Damian Dunn (14.0 ppg) and big man Cameron Corhen, who is producing 12.3 ppg and 7.0 rpg. But they're led by starting guards Ishmael Leggett (19.7 ppg and 8.0 rpg) as sophomore breakout candidate Jaland Lowe (16.3 ppg and 4.7 rpg.
With this being the first true test for both things, there are lots that can go right or wrong on both sides. Here are some of the keys I'm watching for.
1. Tucker DeVries vs Zack Austin
Pittsburgh's defense has been solid but they will have to find a way to deal with DeVries, a 6'7 wing who can score at all three levels. Based on the projected starting lineups, Pittsburgh will throw the 6'5 Dunn to start out but will have a tough time slowing him down. Pitt's best defender comes off the bench in Austin, who already has 10 total blocks in three games. A case could be made that the team should start him instead of Guillermo Diaz-Graham at the four, but either way, this is the player matchup to watch for the game.
2. How WVU defends Pitt's perimeter
On the other hand, DeVries or forward Toby Okani will have to guard Pittsburgh's potent three-guard lineup. Small is a quality perimeter defender, and he'll likely get the assignment of Leggett, who can get to the basket at a high level. This could also put Small in foul trouble, and the Mountaineers can't afford that. This will be a great test of WVU's defense and who are good individual defenders ahead of Big 12 play.
3. Biggest x-factor for Mountaineers
Will WVU have enough offense in this game if Small and DeVries don't go off? For now, we're assuming that 20 ppg Detroit Mercy transfer Jayden Stone won't make his debut this weekend. Illinois transfer guard Sencire Harris has only scored seven points, while Joseph Yesufu also hasn't scored much either.
Freshman forward Jonathan Powell has been a standout contributor with 21 points total off the bench and can be a mismatch for the Diaz-Graham brothers at the four-spot. West Virginia has the depth to beat mid-majors but will it be enough to beat an ACC team and rival Pitt?