Although the Mountaineers have had their fair share of inexplicable hiccups this year, this team has proven time and time again that when the competition gets tough that they can rise to the occasion. While the Mountaineers full court press defense has been a tremendous factor in their pursuit of success, it is the impressive and well balanced nature of this team that truly makes them a legitimate conference contender.
Offensively, the Mountaineers are decidedly dominant (81 PPG, 28th in NCAA), thanks to the impressive development of senior guard Jaysean Paige. As 49.8% shooter from the field, Paige has utilized his newfound discipline to his benefit (14.2 PPG this season, 5.6 PPG last season). On top of being an cold blooded shooter, Paige also has some intriguing defensive talents that make him one of most underrated point men in the game. With 1.4 steals per game, Paige is a well-rounded machine that is dangerous on both sides of the court.
Speaking of defense, the Mountaineers are privileged to have one of the most dynamic forwards in the game in junior Devin Williams. As a potent rebounder (8.8 RPG), Williams never shies away from attacking the defensive glass and has proven to be a capable offensive force once the ball is in his hands (48.3 FG%, 13.3 PPG). Simply put, Williams has become one of the most exciting players to watch in college basketball as his versatile attributes continue to elevate this Mountaineers team to new heights.
However, the tenacious Mountaineers will have their work cut out for them when they go up against one of the best offensive teams in the country in Kansas (83.3 PPG, 14th in NCAA). The Jayhawks relentless offense can be largely attributed to the consistent playmaking abilities of seasoned veteran Perry Ellis. An accurate shooter from nearly anywhere on the court (52.2 FG%, 47.4 3P%, 16.7 PPG), Ellis has undoubtedly been the driving force behind a Jayhawks squad that looks to get an advantage early on by taking high percentage shots.
Yet, even with Ellis' empathic contributions, there is another veteran playmaker that has assisted in the Jayhawks consistent success. Junior guard Wayne Selden Jr. has become the Jayhawks dynamic shooting guard as both his shooting percentage from the field (49.8%) and his accuracy from beyond perimeter (44.6 3P%) are crucial to helping this Jayhawks offense fire on all cylinders. Although his inconsistency from the charity strike is somewhat disconcerting (62.5 FT%), his numerous strengths more than make up for this noticeable discrepancy.
In the end, both of these teams will look to prove their legitimacy as being the best team in the Big 12. Although the Jayhawks offensive prowess has been essential in helping them win important games, their inconsistent defense has proven to be their Achilles heel in tight game situations. While it won't be easy, the Mountaineers will rise to the occasion to prove that they can compete and win against one of the best teams in college basketball.
Final Score: Mountaineers 80 Jayhawks 77
