West Virginia’s Hidden Strength Unleashed

Coaching Insights

Coach DeVries’ Post-Game Comments

Following the Mountaineers’ hard-fought 78-70 victory over Colorado, Coach DeVries shared his thoughts on the game’s dynamics. “It was a strange game,” DeVries remarked, reflecting on the contrasting halves. He acknowledged West Virginia’s strong first half, where the team controlled the tempo, created turnovers, and maintained solid ball movement. However, he noted that Colorado adjusted effectively in the second half, employing a switching defense that stifled West Virginia’s offense and caused stagnation.

DeVries also addressed the challenges posed by Colorado’s altitude, which he believed contributed to the team’s fatigue in the latter stages of the game. “You could start to see it wearing on us a little bit,” he said, emphasizing the physical toll of playing at 5,430 feet above sea level. Despite these challenges, DeVries praised his team’s resilience and ability to secure a crucial road win.

Adjustments and Strategies

Coach DeVries made several key adjustments that proved pivotal in the game’s outcome. One notable decision was opting for a smaller lineup, which allowed the Mountaineers to leverage their speed and agility. This strategic shift was particularly effective in the second half, as players like Yesufu and Small capitalized on their quickness to drive to the rim and create scoring opportunities.

Yesufu’s performance was a direct result of DeVries’ decision to utilize his speed. The coach highlighted Yesufu’s ability to penetrate the defense and finish at the rim, which was instrumental in countering Colorado’s defensive adjustments. DeVries also emphasized the importance of managing fouls, especially as key players like Sincere Harris and Andre encountered foul trouble late in the game.

Player Development

Coach DeVries reserved special praise for Joe, whose second-half performance was instrumental in securing the win. “I thought Joe had a huge second half for us,” DeVries said, commending Joe’s ability to adapt to the game’s flow and step up when the team needed him most. Joe’s readiness and contributions underscored the importance of player development and preparation in critical moments.

DeVries also highlighted Yesufu’s overall performance, noting his ability to remain ready and deliver when called upon. Yesufu’s 18 points off the bench, including 4 of 5 from the free throw line, were a testament to his growth and reliability as a key contributor to the team.

Implications and Outlook

Road Wins and Conference Standing

West Virginia’s victory over Colorado marked its second conference road win of the season, improving its Big 12 record to 2-1. This achievement is significant, as it represents the Mountaineers’ first multiple road wins in conference play since the 2023 season. The win also matches the total number of road victories West Virginia achieved in the 2023-24 season, showcasing the team’s improved performance in hostile environments.

The importance of road wins in the Big 12 cannot be overstated. In one of the nation’s most competitive conferences, securing victories away from home is crucial for positioning in the standings and building momentum for the postseason. With this win, West Virginia strengthens its position in the conference, setting itself up for a strong push as the season progresses.

Future Matchups and Schedule

Looking ahead, the Mountaineers face a challenging schedule, with their next game against Houston on January 15, 2025, at 8 p.m. Houston, a perennial power in the Big 12, will provide a stiff test for West Virginia. The game will be a critical opportunity for the Mountaineers to build on their recent success and further solidify their conference standing.

The remainder of West Virginia’s conference schedule is equally daunting, with matchups against other top-tier programs. However, the team’s ability to secure road wins and adapt to different game scenarios bodes well for its chances in these upcoming contests. As DeVries noted, “I don’t care how we get it done, just get it done,” a mindset that will be essential as the Mountaineers navigate the challenges ahead.

Player Performance and MVPs

The game against Colorado highlighted the depth and versatility of West Virginia’s roster. While Small led the team with 26 points, including 4 of 10 from 3-point range, it was Yesufu’s 18 points off the bench that proved to be the difference-maker. Yesufu’s ability to score efficiently and make clutch plays in critical moments earned him MVP honors for the game.

Andre also delivered a standout performance, contributing 12 points on 5-of-5 shooting before fouling out late in the game. His all-around effort, which included four rebounds and a team-high four steals, was instrumental in maintaining West Virginia’s edge throughout the contest. Freshman also made significant contributions, scoring 10 points in the first half to help establish the Mountaineers’ early lead.

Colorado’s Julian Hammond III led the Buffs with 23 points, while Assane Diop added 13. Despite these efforts, the Buffs were unable to overcome West Virginia’s balanced attack and defensive resilience. The Mountaineers’ ability to capitalize on points off turnovers (12-2 edge) and maintain composure in key moments ultimately sealed the victory.