Predicting the Final Nine Games of WVU's 2023-24 Season
It's been a rough year for the West Virginia men's basketball program and things are only going to get tougher as the season moves along. The good news is, Josh Eilert finally has a full roster to work with and has half of the Big 12 conference slate remaining.
How will WVU round out the 2023-24 regular season? Here's how I see things.
2/10 at Texas - Loss (8-15, 3-7)
Winning on the road is hard and Texas can't afford to be swept by West Virginia as it will cripple their NCAA Tournament resume. Horns get revenge.
2/12 at TCU - Loss (8-16, 3-8)
A quick turnaround for both the Mountaineers and Frogs, but that will likely impact WVU more who will have a difficult time slowing down a potent TCU offense.
2/17 vs. Baylor - Loss (8-17, 3-9)
The Bears are one of the best offensive teams in the country, particularly from three. I can see WVU making this a game, but ultimately WVU fails to match shots with Baylor for a full 40 minutes.
2/20 vs. UCF - Win (9-17, 4-9)
UCF has surprised me in their first year in Big 12 play, however, they are 1-3 on the road in league play. In those three losses, they're falling by an average of 17 points. They're not winning in Morgantown.
2/24 at Iowa State - Loss (9-18, 4-10)
If West Virginia takes care of the ball, they may have a chance here. That being said, Hilton is a difficult place to win and I just can't see this group leaving there with a W.
2/26 at Kansas State - Win (10-18, 5-10)
Jerome Tang has a good team, but they aren't what they were a year ago. They are vulnerable and I can easily see them overlooking WVU. From a matchup perspective, they play a slower tempo which is right in West Virginia's wheelhouse. Get to the line, make the shots, and don't give up second chance points and you'll win.
3/2 vs. Texas Tech - Loss (10-19, 5-11)
I initially picked this as a win, but I just can't see the Mountaineers winning four straight games - spoiler alert for the next two picks. Joe Toussaint leads the Red Raiders past his former team.
3/6 vs. TCU - Win (11-19, 6-11)
The Coliseum is a house of horrors for the Frogs. West Virginia is 11-0 all-time against TCU at home and although this is maybe their best chance to snap that skid, RaeQuan Battle and Jesse Edwards prevent it from happening.
3/9 at Cincinnati - Win (12-19, 7-11)
For the first time all season, West Virginia wins consecutive games and while doing so, they earn the sweep of Cincinnati. I don't know if Jesse Edwards will have 25, 10, and four again but he'll be too much for the Bearcats.
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