MORGANTOWN, W.Va — West Virginia unofficially opened their 2022-2023 season on Friday, facing Bowling Green in an exhibition game at the WVU Coliseum.
The Mountaineers played 12 different players, and they beat the Falcons 73-57.
Defense, Defense, Defense
From the beginning, you could immediately see an improved effort and a greater importance on the defensive end for the Mountaineers than last season. West Virginia was active in passing lanes, picking up guys full court, and also was able to get multiple stops at the rim. West Virginia held Bowling Green to just 31% shooting. The Mountaineers forced 20 turnovers in the victory.
Offense still figuring things out
West Virginia’s offensive performance Friday night was anything but pretty. West Virginia continually dribbled the ball off their own feet, were unable to find teammates in the right passing lanes, and the lack of continuity with new guys showed. West Virginia shot 37% from the field, and went 4-for-19 from beyond the arc. The Mountaineers turned the ball over 19 times on their own and really struggled when in transition.
This team is a Bob Huggins type team
West Virginia did not do their Hall of Fame head coach justice last year, as they struggled to rebound and struggled to have intensity on the defensive side of the ball. Neither of those things were the case, as West Virginia had multiple players going after rebounds, and were diving for loose balls. Kedrian Johnson got hit with a technical foul, and West Virginia seemed to have the effort and intensity that was not present last season. West Virginia had 55 total rebounds, including 23 on the offensive end.
Frontcourt shows promise
It is hard to tell with just one game how good West Virginia’s frontcourt will be, but the trio of Jimmy Bell, Mohamed Wague and James Okonkwo impressed. All were active on the glass and were moving on offense. However, on offense the frontcourt players for West Virginia struggled. The aforementioned trio shot a combined 3-for-13, and turned the ball over a combined five times, but also had 18 of West Virginia’s 55 rebounds.
Emmitt is still Emmitt and Josiah Harris shines
West Virginia made four three-pointers on the evening and freshman Josiah Harris accounted for two of those. Harris made West Virginia’s first two three-pointers and was in-sync to what West Virginia wanted to do. Matthews returned to the WVU Coliseum for the first time since 2021 and made it count. Matthews finished with 14 points and six rebounds, and looked like his old self at times.
Joe Toussaint… offensive weapon?
Toussaint comes to West Virginia from Iowa, known for his defensive ability. He showed both sides to his game on Friday, scoring seven points, and finishing with three steals. If he continues to develop offensively, that is just another tool in Huggins’ bag.
Backcourt carries offensive load
Stevenson, Kedrian Johnson, and Matthews combined for 43 points and Kobe Johnson added another eight. There were a lot of driving guards, and players who cut to the lane. Kedrian Johnson was able to get to the hoop twice early for the Mountaineers, and Stevenson showed his offensive versatility. This group will have to be the backbone of West Virginia’s offense.
