West Virginia University faces off against Wake Forest in a highly anticipated neutral court game in Charleston. With both teams looking to strengthen their season records, here’s an overview of the matchup.
West Virginia vs. Wake Forest: Game Overview
West Virginia comes into this game on a positive note. The Mountaineers secured two recent victories against Mercyhurst and Coppin State. They are looking to improve their performance after mixed results earlier in the season.
Wake Forest, with a record of 6-3, has been competitive but is still searching for its first major conference win this season. Despite falling short against top-15 teams Michigan and Texas Tech by just two points, they recently faced Oklahoma in a challenging matchup.
Key Players to Watch
- Juke Harris (Wake Forest): Averaging 19.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, Harris is a formidable presence at six feet seven inches. His performance will be crucial for the Demon Deacons.
- Honor Huff (West Virginia): The senior transfer guard leads the Mountaineers, averaging 15.8 points per game. He has made 31 three-pointers this season, adding depth to West Virginia’s offense.
Recent Performances
West Virginia bounced back with an impressive 91-point game, marking their highest point total this season against Coppin State. This resurgence comes after a disappointing Charleston Classic showing.
Wake Forest faced a difficult challenge recently, suffering an 86-68 defeat to Oklahoma. Despite this setback, they managed to secure a win against Memphis, though the Tigers currently have a losing record.
Game Predictions
- Schuyler Callihan’s Prediction: West Virginia 73, Wake Forest 71.
- Christopher Hall’s Prediction: West Virginia 67, Wake Forest 64.
Both analysts express cautious optimism for the Mountaineers, emphasizing the importance of managing Wake Forest’s turnovers. West Virginia has lower turnovers per game at 9.4 compared to Wake Forest’s 12.1. This statistic may play a crucial role in determining the game’s outcome.
Overall, the match between West Virginia and Wake Forest promises to be tightly contested. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter as both teams aim to secure a vital win early in the season.
