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Mountaineers' Rally Falls Short at Hilton Coliseum Against Sixth-Ranked Cyclones

The West Virginia Mountaineers, unranked and determined, faced off against the sixth-ranked Iowa State Cyclones in a conference game that ended with the scoreboard reading 71-64. The Mountaineers now stand with their record reflecting more losses than victories, while the Cyclones improved their already impressive season tally.


Feb 24, 2024; Ames, Iowa, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers center Jesse Edwards (7) saves a ball from going out of bounds against the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

At James H. Hilton Coliseum, the West Virginia Mountaineers put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell to the Iowa State Cyclones. The Mountaineers scored 30 points in the first half and added another 34 in the second, showcasing their ability to compete throughout both halves of play. Despite a strong offensive showing that included sinking 10 three-point shots for an impressive 42 percent from beyond the arc and converting free throws at an 83 percent clip, it wasn't enough to secure victory on enemy territory.


The West Virginia team demonstrated defensive tenacity by recording seven blocks and matching that number in steals. They also distributed the ball effectively with a total of 14 assists during the game. However, turnovers proved costly for them as they gave up possession 23 times which led to eight points off turnovers for Iowa State.


Feb 24, 2024; Ames, Iowa, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers guard Kerr Kriisa (3) is defended by Iowa State Cyclones guard Tamin Lipsey (3) and Iowa State Cyclones forward Hason Ward (24) during the first half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Offensively, West Virginia was efficient from two-point range hitting over half of their attempts at a rate of 54 percent but struggled to maintain possession which impacted their scoring opportunities. Their efforts inside were fruitful as they accumulated 22 points in paint while also capitalizing on second-chance opportunities by adding nine additional points following offensive rebounds.


On defense, West Virginia pulled down a total of 30 rebounds with four coming on offense and twenty-one defensively but this was slightly overshadowed by Iowa State's ability to capitalize on turnovers leading them to score nearly four times as many fast break points.


Feb 24, 2024; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Tre King (0) shoots over West Virginia Mountaineers guard Kobe Johnson (2) during the first half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

The home team managed slightly better overall field goal percentage at around mid-forties percent compared to just under fifty percent for WVU; however both teams were almost neck-and-neck when it came down to personal fouls committed throughout this tightly contested matchup.


Looking ahead after this tough loss away from home soil against such highly ranked opposition will be no easy task; however fans can look forward when they tune into ESPNU where they'll see if WVU can bounce back against Kansas State Wildcats at Bramlage Coliseum located in Manhattan come February twenty-sixth starting at seven o'clock Eastern Time.

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