Stat Recap: Takeaways From WVU’s Loss to No. 6 Houston

West Virginia dropped their third consecutive game with a 63-49 loss to No.6 Houston at home. The Mountaineers end the season series with the Cougars 0-2, dropping both games by double-digit points.

Rebounding

The Mountaineers have had a difficult time through the season grabbing rebounds. In this game against Houston, they were out-rebounded 19-34. Amani Hansberry, who started the game at center, was the leading rebounder with five, backup center Eduardo Andre had zero. For Houston, Joseph Tugler led the way with seven. The Mountaineers were beaten 13-5 for offensive rebounds leading to 16 second-chance points for Houston. The Mountaineers have been out-rebounded in each of their last three games, which is not a recipe for success.

Shooting

The Mountaineers shot 46.5% from the field despite the slow first half. Houston was able to shoot 48% from the field, but the difference comes down to the three-point shooting. Houston was able to knock down seven of their 18 (38.9%) three-point attempts, while WVU continued their struggles from the arc, going 4-18 (22%). Jonathan Powell and Javon Small were the only two mountaineers to knock down a three-pointer with two each. Another aspect in which the Mountaineers found no success tonight was at the free-throw line. When you shoot 45% from the free-throw line it’s really tough to beat a team as talented as Houston.

Slow Starts

WVU has had a tough time coming out of the gate amidst their three-game losing streak. In the first half, the Mountaineers went 8-22 from the field and 2-10 from the three-point line, while letting Houston shoot 50% from the field, leading to a 20-point deficit which was the largest of the game. In each of the last three games, the Mountaineers have faced early deficits and have not been able to climb out of that hole to ultimately come back and win the game.