Edging Closer To Top 25

It was a good week for WVU hoops. The win over KState this week gives them a quality nonconference win. Almost as importantly, the 2 overtime periods was like getting an additional practice or another quarter game of much needed game experience for the young guys. That was followed by a nice win over Miami on short rest. While this certainly isn't going to vault them into tourney favorites, I expect they will see some votes for the top 25 this week.

Truck Bryant was quite impressive last night and could receive POTW honors in the BE for his performances. Kilicli was also a force on a diminished frontline for Miami. After struggling with Miami's backcourt play in the first half, the 'Eers opened up the 2nd with a 25-3 run holding Miami without a field goal for the first 9 minutes. Good shooting and dominance on the boards were the main factors for the turnaround. For the young guys, Gary Brown hit a couple key 3 pointers early in the contest to keep WVU close as well as doing a much better job of distributing and limiting his TO's. Aaron Brown had some nice offensive possessions in the second half and Noreen was impressive for his limited minutes. Hinds saw his minutes diminished for at least the second consecutive game, but I still suspect he will be one of the most explosive young guards in the BE by the end of the season.

For the next few games, the Mounties should be able to gain some momentum and get on a roll. Contests against Texas A&M CC, Tenn Tech, and Missouri State should be pushovers. They'll need to take advantage of those matchups cause they'll close the pre-conference schedule with #7 Baylor.