WVU Basketball
What Will Be the Deciding Factor in the West Virginia-Pitt Matchup?
As West Virginia travels up to play Pitt on Friday for the 2022 edition of the Backyard Brawl, there are many questions heading into the game. Both teams enter the first week of the season with many new pieces and much to prove after bad seasons last year. What will be the deciding factor on Friday night?
Both teams will turn the ball over on Friday; it’s the first week of the year. Last year’s Backyard Brawl in Morgantown featured 46 combined turnovers. That number probably won’t be duplicated but both teams will play sloppy. The deciding factor is which team can take advantage of the turnovers. Which team’s transition play will be better?
West Virginia showed some identity against Mount St. Mary’s on Monday, scoring 15 fast break points. The Mountaineers shut down Mount St. Mary’s in the paint and their transition game showed signs of promise. Whether it was stops by Mohamed Wague or James Okonkwo, they found the outlet man as WVU ran down the court with an advantage. Forward Emmitt Matthews had back-to-back dunks to give West Virginia all the momentum in the second half.
West Virginia will need to limit their turnovers if they want to run the transition game well.
For Pitt, the Panthers shot 11-three’s on Monday night against UT-Martin. Pitt shot 41 attempts beyond the arc in the 80-58 win. Behind Pitt F Blake Hinson’s 13 rebounds, the Panthers finished with 49 rebounds. If Pitt can pull down rebounds and attempt transition three’s, West Virginia could be dealing with trouble if they’re going down.
Pitt’s retuning leading scorer John Hugley could miss Friday’s game as well. Hugley was cleared to participate in non-contact activities on Wednesday by head coach Jeff Capel. If Hugley plays against WVU it’ll be limited action but the Cleveland native could still make an impact. Hugley averaged 14.8 points and 7.9 rebounds last season.
West Virginia and Pitt will tip-off at 7 p.m. inside the Petersen Events Center with ACC Network Extra taking the broadcast.
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