Takeaways From WVU Basketball Exhibition Loss to Maryland

WVU basketball gave fans their first look on Sunday with a less-than-desirable result, falling 90-81 in overtime at Maryland.

You can only tell so much from an exhibition game, but here’s what stood out from WVU’s first appearance against a power conference opponent.

Streaky Shooting Didn’t Last

The WVU offense was unstoppable in the first half, outscoring Maryland 46-31 before the break. The Mountaineers shot 8-17 from three (47.1%) in the first half while senior guard Finley Bizjack was 4-4 and junior guard Martin Somerville was 2-2 from range at one point.

That all changed in the second half, as WVU went 1-9 in the second half of regulation and 0-3 in the overtime period. WVU also failed to make a field goal in the overtime period, going 0-6 from the floor.

Those numbers, including a five-minute field goal drought in the second half, led to WVU being outscored 59-35 after halftime.

Rebounding Needs Work

The front court showed flashes Sunday, but a problem from last season reared its ugly head once again: rebounding.

WVU lost the rebounding battle 48-37, allowing 26 second chance points on 24 offensive rebounds by Maryland.

Hodge Let the Freshmen Get Comfortable

Freshman guard Miles Sadler and freshman center Amadou Seini both received considerable minutes Sunday, as Sadler got the start.

Sadler played 27 minutes while mostly operating as the primary ball-handler. He finished with 16 points on 4-13 shooting while going 2-4 from three and making all six of his shots from the free throw line.

Sadler also added four assists and two steals with four turnovers.

Seini played 22 minutes, leading the team in rebounds with 11. He added six points on 3-6 shooting with a block.

WVU will play another exhibition game at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, at Glenville State.

Find more coverage of WVU basketball at WV Sports Now.