WVU got a big win on Saturday. It doesn't seem like much. Seton Hall is undersized compared to the rest of the Big East. However, getting road wins in the Big East regardless of the opponent will be difficult and this was a game the Mountaineers could not afford to lose. This is especially true with contests against UConn and Marquette coming up next. Besides, it wasn't just that we won a road game, but as the statistics will attest, WVU played quite well. Six players scored in double figures. 18 assists on 32 field goals is nice. We won the rebounding margin handily. 13 turnovers is also a solid number. And finally, shooting percentages on offense, defense, and at the free throw line were impressive.
The only glaring concern I could see on Saturday were the minutes of Truck Bryant. The box score will show that he played 34 minutes which isn't too much to ask. However, they were the first 34 minutes of the game, as he picked up his fourth foul w/ ~6 minutes to play and wasn't needed for the remainder of the contest. He had just committed his 3rd foul a couple minutes earlier and both fouls were not what you would call aggressive or "good" fouls. In both instances he was out of position and fatigue may have been a factor. Fortunately for the 'Eers, the team handled the full court pressure very well in the last six minutes without Bryant in the game. With Mazulla's situation uncertain, it will be key to make sure Bryant is getting proper rest throughout the season. I don't believe he can play for 36-40 minutes a game and last in the most physical league in the NCAA's. Bryant is an outstanding freshman point guard, but I don't think that anyone could consistently play 38 minutes a game and still be effective in the long haul of the grueling Big East schedule.
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