Cancun Challenge Round 2: West Virginia Prepares for the Boston Terriers

The Mountaineers and Terriers are meeting for the first time since 1975 on Friday night. West Virginia leads the all-time series 2-0.

The Terriers have fallen victim to Mountaineer greats in the past. In 1959 WVU met Boston in the Elite 8. Jerry West scored 33 points and grabbed 17 rebounds leading the Mountaineers to a 86-82 win. In 1975 Warren Baker scored his career high against the Terriers, scoring 39 points. Bob Huggins contributed 13 points, five rebounds and 3 assists in the victory.

This week West Virginia welcomes Gabe Osabuohien officially into the fold as he was ruled eligible by the NCAA this week. Expect him to see limited minutes unless it is a blowout.

The Mountaineers are still trying to figure out how to play Oscar and Derek Culver efficiently together. Culver crawled out of the doghouse in the second half against Northern Colorado, leading the Mountaineers to victory. During that run, Oscar was on the bench. Once they figure out how to play together, this team will be even more dangerous. Will this be the week they figure it out?

WHEN/ WHERE

Date: Friday, November 22

Tip-off Time: 7:00 PM ET/ 6:00 PM CT

Where: WVU Coliseum

Tickets: WVUGame.com

WATCH/ LISTEN

TV: Nexstar Stations (WBOY, WO

Streaming Video: WVUSports.com - WVU Sports App

Radio: WZST Variety 101 (100.9 FM in Morgantown) or the Mountaineer Sports Network from IMG (Radio Affiliates)

Streaming Audio: Locate the Mountaineer Sports Network from IMG on TuneIn Radio (or the TuneIn Radio app for smartphones)

Satellite Radio: SiriusXM 980

THE ENEMY

Where are they from? Boston, MA

Series History: WVU leads 2-0 (1959, 1975)

Last Time: WVU 99, Boston 83 - January 4, 1975

2019-20 Record: 3-2, Last game 78-70 over South Carolina in Cancun Challenge

Head Coach: Joe Jones (137-120, 8 seasons)

Key Players: G Walter Whyte - 16.4 ppoints, 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals,

KEYS TO THE GAME:

West Virginia has to win the rebound and turnover games within the game. This will be the theme for the Mountaineers this season and one we will revisit after wins and loses.

The Mountaineers need to pay attention to sophomore guard Walter Whyte. He excels on both ends of the floor and is a different maker.

The Terriers have eight or nine guys they rotate throughout the game. With the addition of Osabuohien, the Mountaineers are 12 deep. The Mountaineers are deeper and have more talent than this edition of the Terriers.

HOW AFRAID SHOULD WE BE (ON A SCALE OF 1-10)

2

This Boston team has lost to Northeastern and Vermont in close games and surprised South Carolina in the first round of the Cancun Challenge. Like many teams this season, the Terriers don’t have the size or length to match up with these Mountaineers.

West Virgina 89, Boston 74