WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS
 Coach: John Beilein |  Record: 20-10

 
Overview: The Mountaineers didn't meet very many three point shots that they didn't feel like hoisting up this season. Nationally, only Troy made more than the 293 treys West Virginia drained during the regular season. When you take that many from long range, though, your rebounding can suffer, and the Mountaineers are the second worst rebounding team in ALL of Division I. West Virginia also has the unusual distinction of leading the nation in fewest personal fouls committed per game (12.5).

Potential Difference Maker: It's the team's main man, Kevin Pittsnogle, no doubt. Back on February 9 against Pittsburgh, he missed all 12 of his field goal attempts and fouled out without having scored a point. West Virginia lost the contest by a 57-53 count. In the rematch on February 26, he dropped in 26 to lead the Mountaineers to a five-point win. As he goes, so go the Mountaineers

On Offense: They are one of the best in the country at spreading out the defense and taking advantage of their shooters. Their offensive system is predicated on patience and ball reversal until they can set you up for backdoor cuts that can lead to open shooters.

On Defense: They will play man-to-man, but their bread and butter is their 1-3-1 aggressive zone defense that extends on the perimeter and makes it hard to run your offense.

Strengths: They have 5 guys that can shoot on the floor and an especially tough match-up with Kevin Pittsnogle who will pull a team’s center away from the basket. The 1-3-1 keeps opponents off-balance. They have a 2-1 assist-turnover ratio as a team which is remarkable.

Weakness: They are not playing at their best right now and they struggle with handling physical defenses that can disrupt passers like Pitt, who beat them twice this year.

Key to Success: If West Virginia gets hot offensively like last year’s tournament they can make a run to the Final Four. They will also go as far as how effective their 1-3-1 defense is.

How to Beat Them: Be physical with them defensively, especially on the ball to disrupt their timing and passing angles and guard the 3-point line. You cannot be passive against their zone defense, attack aggressively and do not worry about your offensive plays.