February 21, 2012
Key stretch for WVU
Mountaineers face streaking No. 18 Notre Dame
Staff writer

MORGANTOWN - It was 11 days ago that West Virginia hit what it hopes was the low point of its season - a fifth loss in six games, one in which the Mountaineers blew yet another second-half lead and fell to Louisville.

Eleven days and just one game later, WVU is again filled with hope. Somewhat rested and still basking in the glow of an 18-point road beatdown of Pitt last Thursday, the Mountaineers once again have a chance to turn things around.

It won't be easy, though, not with two games in the next three days, both against ranked opponents. The first is today's 7 p.m. rematch with No. 18 Notre Dame (19-8, 11-3 Big East) on the road, which will be televised by ESPN2. Then on Friday the Mountaineers host No. 10 Marquette (22-5, 11-3) in a 9 p.m. ESPN game at the Coliseum.

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    16 Comments
    Posted By: olivercoold
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    I think 2 wins will get them in. Marquette should be a loss though. They are playing some of the best bb in the country. The game tonight will be tough too, but the other two are definately winnable if they play well.
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 6:47:56 am

    Posted By: nceerfan
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    With Kilicli playing physical bball and Hinds driving the lane, WVU has been playing really well. KJ is always consistent with offensive boards and putbacks. I see a good run in the BE tourney, then the NCAAs.
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 7:55:26 am

    Posted By: Chocolate Moose
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    An idea. A good way to increase shooting percentage and scoring would be to recruit scorers who can shoot the basketball, put the ball on the floor, and get to the rim. Something along the line of Syracuse's Dion Waiters. Also, recruiting perimeter players with some height and length, who possess the ability to shoot over defenders has also proven advantageous in the scoring arena. Size matters, particularly on the perimeter. A great tool for recruiting guards would be a door facing with a genuine height of six feet three inches. Any prospect who didn't have to duck to walk through the door, should just keep walking. Anyone recall how devastating the WVU defense was when Butler and Ebanks were placed out on the edges? John Wall still has nightmares about that 1-3-1. That season, overall length was the primary factor in our success. Have been following Huggs for a long time, and can't recall him ever having any prominent, big scoring guards. He painted himself into a corner this season.
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 8:40:05 am

    Posted By: eer2eer
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    Choco Moose,

    Go to google, search our incoming recruiting class, and feel silly for what you just typed.

    Eron Harris - 6'4 SG
    Terry Henderson - 6'5 SG
    Elijah Macon - 6'8 SF/PF

    Man! Huggs has got to stop recruiting all these little guys, huh?
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 9:48:23 am

    Posted By: DoneDeal
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    Moose,
    Always too much info and expertise...same reason I watch sports now, with the volume on mute!
    Big Game tonight with ND...Hope WVU plays well and rolls.......Happened last night in Mizzou!
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 10:36:04 am

    Posted By: westbygod1
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    @nceerfan, what have you been watching. "they have been playing well" They have been playing awful. Blowing games late, missing free throws, turnovers. They played great against Pitt, first game in a month that they played 40 minutes. If they can't beat two ranked teams in three days then how can they compete in the Big East Tourney or the NCAA tourney. They need to play 40 minutes of ball tonight and refuse to lose. Worry about the next game after that!
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 11:04:45 am

    Posted By: DoneDeal
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    Moose,
    Always too much info and expertise...same reason I watch sports now, with the volume on mute!
    Big Game tonight with ND...Hope WVU plays well and rolls.......Happened last night in Mizzou!
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 11:27:55 am

    Posted By: Mr. Bill
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    We were "This close" and some wild Irish luck away from getting that 1st game. We did it in the Pete, and if Turk can keep playing like he has been, we can do it in the Purcell. Let's put the Clamp on Cooley like we shut down that sPitt guard and take 'em 1 at a time. The Bulls are all full of it now that they're guaranteed their 1st winning season ever in the BE. Size sure didn't matter to guys like Calvin Murphy, Spud Webb, AI or Curly Neal, among others.
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 12:13:48 pm

    Posted By: Carolina EER FAN
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    Moose- Agree wholeheartedly with ya- critics fail to remember- Will Thomas 6'4" who ended up at WVSU- Dee Proby-6'8" who knows where he is now- Jennings- 6'8"- bench setter/quit- Noreen -6'10" can't make a layup- if Harrison is lead recruiter on the list provided, expect more of the same- as a matter of fact- one is from Raliegh- he's gonna be a McCune (no help)can't imagine a local ACC team passing on a "Star". Tonight its on Kichy to do "just enough" for a "W".Go EERS!
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 12:16:21 pm

    Posted By: rblyel58211
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    hey moose.....go out and find a superstar and talk him into coming to WVU...its so easy even u can do it right?
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 12:24:05 pm

    Posted By: westbygod1
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    I am tired of reading how tough the schedule is, what is the RPI? What does Joe Lunardi think? If W.V. can't beat ranked teams then why should they go to the tourney. No more stinkin excuses, just win the games and earn your spot. If not go to the NIT where there are no ranked teams. Goaltending, fouls, there tired, missed free throws, always a freakin excuse!
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 12:43:24 pm

    Posted By: nceerfan
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    @westbygosh-I've been watching WVU. Deniz has been physical and he had a great game against UL, too. He lost his temper and had to sit after his T, which cost them a physical center for a little while and allowed UL back in the game. They are playing well. That is my opinion. You are certainly entitled to your half empty glass opinion, too.
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 1:26:31 pm

    Posted By: eer2eer
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    To Carolina EER,

    Proby and Will Thomas were both added in the 11th hour to fill scholarships for that season. Seeing as scholarships are on a year-to-year basis, if you do not use them, you basically lose them. Not to mention that Will Thomas was a highly-touted recruit prior to a devastating leg injury his senior year of high school, which went on to effect his play and confidence. Jennings transferred to Long Beach St., a tournament team, and will be a major factor for them next season after sitting out due to transfer rules. Noreen has been injured the last two seasons, but I'm sure you knew that (sarcasm). The shooter from ACC country that you are referring to is Terry Henderson, a flat out scorer who bloomed late physically and therefore went under the ACC's radar, but later picked up offers from VA Tech and NC State. Our "fanbase" simply needs to go learn about basketball, because most of you'll know next to nothing. And it's Ki-lic-li....Kilicli... pronounced ka-lich-luh
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 2:28:49 pm

    Posted By: richirwin
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    If you look at Marquette over the last couple of years, the were on the wrong end of a lot of close games against quality opponents. And excellent and well-coached team.

    WVU will win though.
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 4:33:28 pm

    Posted By: Carolina EER FAN
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    Moose- we got one who flew under the ACC radar- imagine that- the ACC missed one in their backyard-a SHOOTING STAR- and googling the ESPN site, he's 6'4 and "must develop his body and add muscle mass"- secondly, we give a guy(s) a scholarship just to fill a void- Help me here please? Isn't that why the term "recruiting" is used? Tough night in SB- Go EERS
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 5:08:47 pm

    Posted By: olivercoold
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    Better get a deep run in the BE tourney or this team doesn't deserve a NCAA tournament bid. Gotta believe NIT bound.
    Posted at: February 22, 2012 8:58:06 pm

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