WVU Squeezes By Villanova In Convincing Win
What more can you ask for than to beat a top 10 team to end the regular season. This win was huge for the Mountaineers as it gives them incredible and much needed momentum heading in to the Big East Tournament.
West Virginia once again found a way to overcome yet another first half nightmare after scoring a season low 16 points in the half. Da’Sean Butler was once again the hero as he was able to dribble through the Wildcats defense and scoring a a 2-point runner with 5.8 seconds left to play, leading West Virginia to a 68-66 overtime win. The Mountaineers first half shooting woes consisted of 2 of 12 from the behind the arc, 2 for 10 from the free throw line and 6 for 25 from the field, accumulating a dreadful 24% from the field. Was it the Mountaineers second half defensive change that triggered West Virginia’s second half burst? Or perhaps was it Bob Huggins unusual halftime speech?
It was a combination of the two, but more so the 1-3-1 defensive switch which has been most effective. The second half adjustment seemed to do its job as Villanova (24-6, 13-5 Big East) could not get through the passing lanes. Bob Huggins, on the other hand, did not take his normal halftime routine of yelling but yet was calmer than anyone can recall. The combination of the two seemed to have worked and got the job done.
Leading West Virginia (24-6, 13-5 Big East) was led by Da’Sean Butler who finished his last regular season game with 21 points and 10 rebounds.