3 Takeaways From WVU’s Win Over Morehead State

Following West Virginia’s 75-57 sluggish win over Morehead State on Tuesday night, let’s take a look at three takeaways from the game.

Keep Matthews on the Floor at All Costs

Emmitt Matthews has played great since his return to West Virginia. His stat line from Tuesday night may not be anything eye-opening, but you can see the difference from his first stint at WVU. Through three games, Matthews posts the best plus-minus on the team with a +67.

Matthews is averaging 11.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists early on.

“He’s been our rock, our most solid guy. Right now he’s the guy we got to have on the floor,” WVU HC Bob Huggins said postgame.

Depth will be an Absolute Strength of This Team

Heading into the season, the concern wasn’t the depth. But a week into the season, depth will be one way West Virginia will beat their opposition. West Virginia’s bench has averaged 36 points into the young season. Mohamed Wague and Joe Toussaint have brought a different energy off the bench that WVU has been able to effectively use. Even other guys like Seth Wilson, Kobe Johnson, James Okonkwo and Josiah Harris have shown bright spots.

Huggins is saying screw beating your best five, I’ll beat your best 10.

WVU Wins by 18 Even When Playing Sluggish?

West Virginia played pretty poorly in the first half. The Mountaineers did get into a groove in the second frame, but this game really stands out. Morehead State isn’t some easy game; they were picked to finish first in the Ohio Valley Conference for a reason.

This isn’t something you would see last season. West Virginia wouldn’t blowout a team on the road, like the Pitt game on Friday, or blowout a potential conference champion.