West Virginia has been known for its pressing style and fouling a bunch as a result. But the Mountaineers have gone with a different look this year that is built down low, and Bob Huggins’ crew will look to muscle a road win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
The low-post duo of Oscar Tshiebwe and Derek Culver are averaging a combined 22.7 points and 18.9 rebounds per game. The only other two teams in college basketball that have two players averaging at least nine rebounds per game are Saint Louis and William & Mary.
As a result of West Virginia controlling the glass, it has given up 64 points or fewer in each of its past five games. The lone non-cover in that span was an 11-point win against Youngstown State as 12 ¹/₂-point favorites in a true road game.
Since Isaac Likekele suffered an illness at the beginning of December, the Oklahoma State offense has suffered, scoring 66 points or fewer in four of its six games. Likekele is back, but in two games he has registered a combined 11 points.
With West Virginia ranking in the top 20 in the country in both rebound rate and points per possession allowed on defense, it should lead to a low-scoring game on a night where it will be the only notable game between Power Five teams.
The Play: West Virginia-Oklahoma State, Under 138.