3 Takeaways from WVU’s Loss to No. 3 Kansas: What Needs Fixed?

West Virginia dropped their third-straight Big 12 game on Saturday night against No. 3 Kansas, 76-62. Let’s look at some takeaways from the game.

What Needs Fixed?

A lot. That’s the short answer.

This West Virginia team has looked off since the Buffalo game during finals week. The offense isn’t moving as much as it did, Erik Stevenson has been in a slump and the depth of this team hasn’t been able to hang in conference so far.

This team bounced off of Stevenson’s energy all non-conference. The fifth-year senior has shown to be the heart of this team. If WVU can bring back the incredible shooting numbers from early in the season, this team will be tough to beat, even in the Big 12.

West Virginia seemingly fixed their rebounding issue but was out-rebounded by Kansas on Saturday. Free throws and turnovers still could be better. There’s something off with this team as they look for their first conference win this season.

Team Missed Kedrian Johnson

WVU starting guard Kedrian Johnson was missed on Saturday, missing the game with a concussion. Johnson’s defense may have been able to maintain the barrage of Kansas three’s at the beginning of the contest.

Johnson is also another veteran this team could use. Sophomores Kobe Johnson and Seth Wilson still need a little more time to adjust to the conference and play against some of the top players in the country. Johnson has been a starter in this league for two seasons now.

Johnson may be able to return against Baylor on Wednesday.

WVU G Kedrian Johnson shooting around after the Kansas game

Johnson missed the game due to a concussion pic.twitter.com/FisBIiycoC

— Ethan Bock (@ethanbock_) January 8, 2023

WVU has to Win One Game to Regain Confidence

It may sound obvious but West Virginia needs to just get one win under their belt to regain their confidence from the non-conference slate. One win would go a long way with this team as something is off right now.

West Virginia’s next three games are Baylor, at Oklahoma and TCU. If WVU can knock off a vulnerable team in Baylor on Wednesday, they could be able to use that momentum into the next two games.

Mountaineers may be 0-3 in conference and the ship may be sinking for some, but there’s still opportunity in the Big 12 to make noise.