Can the Mountaineers Conquer the Jayhawks at Allen Fieldhouse?
As the West Virginia Mountaineers prepare to face off against the Kansas Jayhawks, fans are buzzing with anticipation. The upcoming clash at Allen Fieldhouse on December 30th is poised to be a riveting encounter, and based on recent performances, there's plenty of reason for optimism in the Mountaineers camp.
The West Virginia Mountaineers have been showcasing an impressive offensive display this season. Their last game on December 21st against Niagara's Purple Eagles ended in a staggering 103-52 victory for WVU. The team's scoring efficiency was through the roof with a field goal percentage of 55 and an even more impressive two-point shooting percentage of 71. They dominated points in paint with 66 and capitalized on turnovers, scoring 39 points off their opponent’s mistakes.
Defensively, WVU has been just as formidable. In that same game, they amassed a total of 25 steals which speaks volumes about their defensive pressure and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Their rebounding was dominant as well; pulling down a total of 49 rebounds shows they can control both ends of the court effectively.
Comparatively, KU will certainly provide stiffer competition than some of WVU’s recent opponents. However, even when faced with tougher teams like Wright State Raiders on December 18th where WVU won by just five points (77-72), they've shown resilience and clutch performance especially in the final quarter where they outscored Wright State by seven points.
One area where WV might need to focus is their three-point shooting which stood at only 19 percent against Niagara – significantly lower than their overall field goal percentage. Improving from beyond the arc could be key in overcoming KU’s defense.
The Kansas Jayhawks will not make it easy for them though; playing at home gives them an advantage that cannot be discounted easily. But if we take into account how well-rounded WV has been performing – from fast breaks to second-chance points – there is every reason to believe that they can extend their winning momentum into this challenging away game.
Mountaineer fans should mark their calendars for what promises to be an exciting matchup scheduled for December 30th at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, KS starting at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (ET). For those unable to attend in person, you can catch all the action live via ESPN+ online broadcast network.