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Erik Stevenson Breaking ‘Stevie Slump’ After 31-Point Career Day

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Photo: Kelsie LeRose / WVSN

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia guard Erik Stevenson has been looking to get out of, what he calls, a “Stevie slump.” The fifth-year senior made progress towards that in an 80-77 win over No. 15 Auburn on Saturday.

“I’ve had a feel all year, I’ve just been in a Stevie slump,” Stevenson said after the win. “I always get one of those every year it seems. I got to credit my teammates, they helped me through it. They’re telling me to shoot the ball.”

Stevenson had a career day, recording 31 points, six rebounds and three assists. Stevenson connected on 7-three’s and shot 10-of-17 from the field. The Washington native made big-time baskets to deny Auburn any chance of completing their comeback.

Stevenson reflected on the last few weeks.

“I’m not in the dumps but it’s been a long 2-3 weeks. I’ve been shooting the ball well in practice. I’ve been having good mental days and game time it just hasn’t been dropping for me,” Stevenson said. “I feel like it’s really been taking a toll on me because it’s my job to help the team in any way I can. They rely on me to score and if I’m not scoring it’s hurting the team. I’m not going to lie it’s really been hurting me, to be honest.”

During the month of January, Stevenson is averaging 11.4 points on 31 percent shooting and 19 percent from three. Stevenson’s career-high 31 points on efficient shooting proved to help the Mountaineers in another needed-win Saturday.

“It was a matter of time,” WVU head coach Bob Huggins said. “He’s put time in, he’s really worked at his mechanics. You get to playing in pick up ball in the offseason, you get to throwing your head back and throwing your leg out. The ideal thing is to stay perpendicular and have your hand under the ball.”

Stevenson will look to lead West Virginia to continue their winning streak when they travel to Fort Worth, Texas, on Tuesday night to take on No. 11 TCU.

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