Takeaways: WVU Basketball Can’t Get Over Hump Despite 43 Free Throw Attempts

WVU Basketball fell to St. John’s 79-73 at home on Friday night in the Big East-Big 12 Battle. Let’s take a look at some takeaways from West Virginia’s loss.

Free Throws and Turnovers

WVU had plenty of opportunity to defend home court and send the Johnnies packing back to New York. The Mountaineers attempted 43 free throws on Friday but missed 10 in the second half. West Virginia turned the ball over 12 times, which isn’t a factor that single-handily loses them that game but factoring in missed free throws it doesn’t help.

Not many teams lose home games attempting 43 free throws. It just shows how West Virginia did not take advantage of the officiating.

In a span of two minutes during the second half, West Virginia committed three turnovers and missed two layups. St. John’s ended up extending their lead to eight points with seven minutes left, which seemed impossible for WVU to come back from.

Wilson Needs to Escape Slump

WVU G Seth Wilson has had a rough start to the season, shooting 23% from the field over the first seven games. Wilson is shooting 15% on two-point attempts and 31% from three.

“He is what he is at this point. We’re trying to get everything we can out of him,” WVU interim HC Josh Eilert said after St. John’s. “The effort is there but he’s in a slump and we’ve got to get him out of it.”

Even when WVU gets Kerr Kriisa back, and possibly RaeQuan Battle and Akok Akok, Wilson will still be needed to shoot well. Especially right now, Wilson is asked to do too much and is playing too much hero ball.

WVU is Close to Stealing a Game

West Virginia may have plenty of weaknesses but they’ve competed in every game so far this season. WVU’s four losses to Monmouth, SMU, Virginia and St. John’s all could have gone the other way. West Virginia is very close to stealing a game, especially when they’re playing at home.

Luckily for the Mountaineers, they’re at home once again next Wednesday against Pitt in the Backyard Brawl. Pitt has played much better basketball this season as they look to return to the NCAA Tournament. Even though Pitt may be the better team, Wednesday’s atmosphere could help lift West Virginia to a Power-6 win.

WVU Basketball will host Pitt in the 192nd edition of the Backyard Brawl next Wednesday with a 9 p.m. tipoff.

Watch our postgame show below.

WVU Postgame Show: A Missed Opportunity Against St. John’s