WVU Men's Basketball: #21 WVU Defeats VMI In Charleston 103-72

Remember Coach Bob Huggins saying over and over again the last two seasons that he would "fix it"?

Well, I'm ready to officially consider it fixed.

West Virginia's first game as a ranked team since 2011 was a success on Wednesday, as  #21 WVU (6-0) defeated the Virginia Military Institute Keydets (2-3) 103-72 at the Charleston Civic Center.

VMI plays at a breakneck pace (they led the nation in scoring last season), and this game was the track meet we expected it to be. Jevon Carter's 20 first half points and the Mountaineers winning the turnover battle 20-3 resulted in a 53-35 first half lead.

If you're looking for one play that epitomizes this West Virginia team this year, Juwan Staten gave it to you early in the first half of tonight's game:

That hustle play led to a Jevon Carter and-1.

WVU again went with Juwan Staten, Daxter Miles, Jaysean Paige, Jonathan Holton, & Devin Williams in the starting lineup. Carter's first half play resulted in him replacing Miles in the lineup to begin the second half.

As you can imagine, West Virginia's 26 steals led to a lot of easy buckets - like this one:

Those two connected again a few minutes later for another Miles alley-oop. This is one of the funnest teams to watch in YEARS at WVU.

The Mountaineers were led by Jevon Carter with 28 points and 5 steals. Juwan Staten had 17 points, 6 assists, and 4 steals. Jonathan Holton added 13 points, 4 blocks, and 3 steals.

VMI was led by West Virginia native QJ Peterson with 13.

A few quick notes:

If WVU beats VMI, that will give Bob Huggins a 746-302 record. That would tie him for 15th place on the NCAA all-time list with Phog Allen.

— Mitch Vingle (@MitchVingle) November 26, 2014

• His scoring is great, but Jevon Carter's on-ball defense is becoming a serious asset to this squad. Huggins said on his radio show on Monday that he's the best on the team. The kid is always knocking the ball loose. It's nice to have a few guards who make a true effort to stop guys from getting to the basket.
• Michigan, VCU, and Iowa State all have already lost this week. Good chance the Mountaineers can move up a few spots in the rankings.
• The TV broadcast noted that the Mountaineers forced more turnovers tonight than any game in school history. The 36 Keydets turnovers passes the 35 forced against Notre Dame in 1969.

The Mountaineers return to the Coliseum on Saturday to take on College of Charleston. The Cougars also participated in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off, losing 65-57 to Connecticut, 59-50 to Texas A&M, and defeating George Mason 61-60. They fired their coach, Doug Wojcik, in August after being accused of verbally and physically abusing his players. Wojckik was replaced by Earl Grant. Game time is 7:30.