West Liberty Hilltopper Basketball

[Scrub]

Even guarded Abrams outside to prevent threes and did not let him drive by him

I was going to mention that as well. The flip side of Rasile doing a nice job hanging with Pittman/Moore was that Viktor did a great job hanging with Abram as the other half of those high-pick-switches.

[Columbuseer]

Viktor Kovacevic was another key factor in the victory over WVSU with his energy level. He

• contested shots
• got 7 rebounds
• Scored 11 points on 5-7 shooting
• Got 3 assists on great interior passing
• Dove for loose balls
• Even guarded Abrams outside to prevent threes and did not let him drive by him
• Used better judgment in avoiding needless fouls and stayed out of serious foul trouble (3 fouls)

[Columbuseer]

Observations on WLU vs WV State 2/2/22

• WVSU was arguably the hottest team in the country, owning a 10-game winning streak with convincing victories over Fairmont and Charleston. WLU had handed them their last loss in a dramatic come back from a double-digit deficit.
• WVSU is tall, long, athletic, with great shooters. One could argue that in a 1-on-1 game, WVSU would defeat most of their counterparts at WLU. The WVSU strategy was to leverage this athletic advantage to attack the rim after breaking the press, just like Fairmont did. They had some success, with some pretty dunks, which nevertheless only count as 2 points.
• So how did WLU even win, much less lead by 17 points late in the game on the way to a12-point victory 96-84? IMHO:
  • The continuous pressure of WLU caused WVSU to tire in the last 8 minutes of each half. Leading to open looks and easy baskets for WLU. It also reduced WVSU effort on the boards and getting back on defense. Many times, WLU would get a rebound and dribble past 3 WVSU defenders before even crossing the half court line.
  • WLU was pushing the pace at every opportunity. Combine that with WVSU sprinting to attack the rim after breaking the press, and the fatigue accumulates. The multiple platoons of WLU helps them stay fresh. WVSU did not have sufficient quality depth.
  • WLU was unselfish and avoided difficult, low percentage shots.
  • Although WLU committed more turnovers than usual, (19 to WVSU 21 TOs), many of their forced turnovers led to easy baskets, where WVSU did not get so many easy baskets off turnovers.
  • WLU had 12 steals, compared to only 6 for WVSU.
  • WLU, despite being smaller, controlled the boards, 42-34. More importantly, they got an impressive 38% of the missed shots on their glass.
  • WLU made the extra pass to get a great shot.
  • WLU hit 83% of their FTs.

Opponent	WEST VIRGINIA STATE
Date	02/02/22
Score	96-84
w/l	W
FG	35
FGA	70
FG Pct	50%
3FG	6
3 FGA	19
3 FG PCT	32%
FT	20
FTA	24
FT PCT	83%
Off Reb	14
Def Reb	28
Tot Reb	42
Reb Per Game	39.4
PF	24
Assist	18
TO	19
Blk	4
Stl	12
Pts	96
Avg Pts Per Game	99.0
Steals per Forced TO	57%
Assist to TO Ratio	0.95
Assist per FG	51%
Points Per FGA	1.37
Points Per Possession	1.12
Num Possessions	86
OppDefReb	23
Off Reb Effic	38%
Forced TO	21
Game num	21
Two Pt FG %	56.9%
Effective Shooting %	54.29%

[Columbuseer]

Scrub- great point about Patrick.

They were collapsing on him when he started to drive, just like Fairmont did. He did not take the bait. When he then dishes to teammates for threes, their strategy collapses and the defense has to spread. He was a monster on offensive and defensive glass against taller players as well as on defense. He has become a complete team player.

[Columbuseer]

Scrub - Great analysis!

Zach - last year, guards would have had the green light to immediately take him to the rim. No more. More experienced, athletic guards are no longer getting by him. As a result, his minutes are going up. We now have 4 strong defensive defensive guards. I too am impressed by how intelligently he guards bigs in the post. He is an aggressive rebounder too. As he has gotten more comfortable, his shooting is back to where it was in high school, when he destroyed the Ohio all tme career record for three point goals as a junior. His record may never be broken.

[Scrub]

Two quick observations from the WVSU game (and mine will be anecdotal as opposed to the statistically backed observations we'll get soon from Columbus):

1. Rasile's Defense: I thought Rasile took a huge step forward as a defender in this game. WVSU was regularly running a high pick, knowing that WLU switches on all picks unless it's McKinney (he's too quick to duck under picks to render the pick effective). It seemed their plan was to exploit those switches and let Pittman & J. Moore work against a guard and Abram work against a big. On multiple occasions, Pittman had the ball (and a head of steam) at the top of the key with Rasile as his newly switched mark. I was so impressed with Rasile's commitment to sit down, stick out his chest, and go body-to-body with guys twice his size. And on more occasion than one, he forced that player to give up the ball or force a wild shot. Yes, he picked up 4 fouls banging with the bigs, but I was so impressed with Rasile's bulldog mentality that often thwarted WVSU's attempt at exploiting a perceived mismatch.

2. Robinson's Unselfishness: For the second time this year, WVSU has found a way to bottle up Pat Robinson (a near-impossible task on most nights). Thankfully, in both games Bryce Butler stepped up big time to fill the production gap. But the most impressive part about it (aside from WVSU's strong defense) was that Robinson never once tried to force something and "get his." He knows he's "the man" on this team (to the degree that any one player is "the man" on a WLU team), but he also knows that when he's held down as a scorer, he still has other ways to help this team (assists, offensive rebounds, defense, etc.). So impressed that Robinson never got baited into forcing things and continued to feed his teammates and keep the offense rolling. That shows big time leadership and maturity, and that's precisely what the young Hilltoppers need from Robinson night in and night out (whether the scoring is there or not).

Strong win overall. Always good to get out of a WVSU game with a W. Much respect to that team--they always give WLU a spirited fight.

[Layton]

Wow it sounded like there was some kind of medical issue with someone in the background of the broadcast right before halftime

[Layton]

Yoakum is back!

[Columbuseer]

Observations on 2021-2022 West Liberty Teams versus Previous Teams

It is problematic to compare teams with those of prior years, as the strength of the schedule and overall conference strength can vary. For example, this year's out of conference schedule for WLU was the strongest in recent memory. With that caveat, here are some comparisons with past years. Overall, WLU is approaching parity with teams of past years.

As WLU has improved in passing the ball and moving without the ball, the stats have steadily climbed toward the typical stats of teams from prior years.

• Stats that are better than average
  • Scoring margin of 21.4 points a game is impressive, given the out of conference schedule.
  • The margin in assist to turnover ratio between WLU and opponents is incredible at 1.18. One factor are the shutdown defensive guards are disrupting the offense.
  • Assists per game
• Stats that are consistent with prior teams:
  • FG PCT
  • Three-point attempts per game is just slightly over the average
  • Shots per 40 minutes
  • Steals per forced turnover
  • Possessions per game at 80.
  • Assist to turnover ratio is at the median value, but just below the mean value.
• Stats that are below average value of prior teams
  • FT % - Although it has been climbing to over 71%, it is still below the 75% average.
  • Points per possession has been climbing from 1.19 to 1.24, and is approaching the 1.26 average. By comparison, the best in D1 is probably Gonzaga at about 1.19

TeamYear	WLU2021	WLU2020	WLU2019	WLU2018	WLU2017	WLU2016	WLU2015	WLU2014	WLU2013	WLU2012	Mean	Median
GP	20	23	31	33	30	32	35	32	35	36
FG Pct	50%	49%	51%	50%	48%	49%	50%	52%	49%	52%	50%	50%
3FG PCT	39%	37%	41%	43%	38%	36%	41%	41%	40%	41%	41%	41%
FT PCT	71%	75%	77%	78%	77%	72%	73%	71%	75%	76%	75%	75%
Reb Per Game	39	43	42	42	44	41	43	40	42	41	41.64	41.70
Avg Pts Per Game	99.2	101	102	101	105	97	98.4	101	99.9	103	100.72	100.65
Shots per 40 min	73	74	75	71	77	70	69	69	72	72	72.16	72.25
Points Per Shot	1.36	1.36	1.37	1.40	1.36	1.34	1.42	1.46	1.36	1.43	1.39	1.37
Points Per Possession	1.24	1.25	1.27	1.27	1.28	1.25	1.25	1.28	1.26	1.28	1.26	1.27
Possessions per game	80	81	80	79	82	78	79	79	79	80	79.76	79.62
Three FGA per Game	30	30	28	28	34	31	29	27	30	27	29.48	29.37
FGA per Game	73	74	75	72	77	72	69	69	73	72	72.72	72.65
Assist to Turnover Ratio Margin (WLU-Opp.)	1.18	0.80	0.95	0.51	1.22	1.10	0.80	0.83	1.05	1.06	0.95	1.00
Assist to Turnover Ratio	1.71	1.58	1.62	1.49	1.98	1.96	1.80	1.70	1.84	1.65	1.73	1.70
steals to forced TO Ratio	57%	55%	57%	55%	56%	54%	55%	62%	59%	59%	0.57	0.57
TO per Game	12.2	11.5	11.5	12.0	10.5	9.3	11.2	11.8	10.3	12.9	11.31	11.49
Assists per game	20.9	18.2	18.5	18.0	20.8	18.2	20.1	19.9	19.0	21.3	19.50	19.48
PPP Margin (WLU - Opp.)	0.27	0.24	0.29	0.15	0.26	0.22	0.23	0.21	0.23	0.30	0.24	0.24
Scoring Margin (WLU - Opp.)	21.4	20.4	24.0	11.8	21.9	18.2	18.9	17.6	18.0	24.1	19.62	19.65

[Columbuseer]

West Liberty National Ranking as of 2/1/22

• West Liberty is in the top 5 nationally in 9 categories!
• 90^th percentile in 14 categories!
• WLU now shooting over 50% FGs and nearly 39% from three point range
• Assists are nearly 21 a game
• Assist to turnover ratio is an amazing 1.71, considering the rapid pace of play and the increased number of possessions in a game.

Date	National Ranking	West Liberty rank	Value
2/1/2022	Scoring Offense	1	99.20
2/1/2022	Scoring Margin	1	21.00
2/1/2022	Assists Per Game	2	20.90
2/1/2022	Steals Per Game	3	11.60
2/1/2022	Turnover Margin	3	8.00
2/1/2022	Turnovers Forced	3	20.15
2/1/2022	Assist Turnover Ratio	4	1.71
2/1/2022	Three-Point Attempts	5	604.00
2/1/2022	Three-Point Field Goals Per Game	5	11.70
2/1/2022	Offensive Rebounds per game	10	14.10
2/1/2022	Field-Goal Percentage	14	50.03
2/1/2022	Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage	26	38.74
2/1/2022	Free-Throw Attempts	27	406.00
2/1/2022	Free-Throw Made	30	290.00
2/1/2022	Total Rebounds per game	42	39.25
2/1/2022	Rebound Margin	51	4.00
2/1/2022	Blocked Shots Per Game	69	3.60
2/1/2022	Free-Throw Percentage	141	71.43
2/1/2022	Defensive Rebounds per game	184	25.15
2/1/2022	Field-Goal Percentage Defense	208	45.78

[Columbuseer]

I'll tell you who was particularly impressive on Sunday: Austin Webb. He only had a few points, but I was at the game and his hustle plays (some of the things that don't show up in the box) were very noticeable and very key. The box shows 6 boards for Webb, but I would guess that about 5 of those were of the out-hustle-the-bigger-guy variety, some of which kept offensive possessions alive on tip-outs to a guard. His hands were active in passing lanes all game long with lots of tips. As an observer who was at the game and not simply looking at a box score or viewing what the camera showed, I can attest that Webb had a very impressive performance on Sunday doing all the little things that make WLU basketball WLU basketball. Really pleased to see the development of the young guys. I would guess that if Yoakum were not injured in pre-season, Webb might even be redshirting, but here he is making key contributions and growing into a role late in the season (much like Sarson did last year). Glad to see it.

Great insights. I have felt that in the past, Austin was still adjusting to the game and was intent on not making a mistake. He was never really challenging his opponent on offense, but just making the pass rapidly to his acclaimed teammates. Understandable for a freshman. As you described, in this game, Austin started to get more comfortable and just play the game without thinking. His ceiling is very high, with his smarts, long arms, passing and three point shooting. Another year in the weight room and he could be a force.

[Scrub]

I'll tell you who was particularly impressive on Sunday: Austin Webb. He only had a few points, but I was at the game and his hustle plays (some of the things that don't show up in the box) were very noticeable and very key. The box shows 6 boards for Webb, but I would guess that about 5 of those were of the out-hustle-the-bigger-guy variety, some of which kept offensive possessions alive on tip-outs to a guard. His hands were active in passing lanes all game long with lots of tips. As an observer who was at the game and not simply looking at a box score or viewing what the camera showed, I can attest that Webb had a very impressive performance on Sunday doing all the little things that make WLU basketball WLU basketball. Really pleased to see the development of the young guys. I would guess that if Yoakum were not injured in pre-season, Webb might even be redshirting, but here he is making key contributions and growing into a role late in the season (much like Sarson did last year). Glad to see it.

[Columbuseer]

Observations on West Liberty versus WV Wesleyan

• :The WVW strategy was to:
  • Slow the pace of the game; they pulled the ball out to start the offense even when they broke the press and had a numerical advantage.
  • At the 12:24 mark of the first half, WVW led 14-12, on a pace for a 70-point game.
• WVW was doing reasonably well for the first 8 minutes. What happened?
  • WVW did not have enough depth to withstand the physical and mental stress of the WLU pace of play.
  • WVW started making live ball turnovers.
• West Liberty started elevating its pressure and energy in both platoons, while doing a great job of sharing the ball and moving without the ball.
  • In the first 8 minutes, WLU was getting easy shots, but just missing them. This started to change around the 10-minute mark of the first half.
  • WLU was making unforced turnovers trying the make an extra pass when teammates zigged when they should have zagged. But their intent was on sharing the ball and these issues would only be temporary.
  • We are seeing the younger players, especially those in the second platoon get more comfortable and starting to play at an ever-higher level.
  • Opponents now have at least 9 players to worry about getting hot and hitting deep threes. WLU was 21-40 from three for 53%.
    • Patrik, Malik, Bryce, Cmont, and Victor were known threats.
    • Now add Ben Sarson (5-5), Garrett Denbow (5-8), Zach Rasile (3-4), Luke Powell (1-2) and Austin Webb (1-3)
    • There is no one that opponents can leave open in order to provide defensive help on Patrick, Malik, Bryce, or Victor.
  • WLU made an amazing 1.4 points per FGA and an incredible 1.51 points per possession
  • WLU controlled the offensive glass getting a dominating 51% of the rebounds off their glass.
  • WLU got steals on 50% of their forced turnovers.
  • They got WVW so tired with their pace and ball movement that on several occasions, a WLU player would get a rebound and go coast to coast for an uncontested layup, running past exhausted WVW players.
• The referees were not calling a tight game, which favored WLU, and reduced stoppages of play. WLU shot 100% FT on 8-8. WVW only shot 7-13 FTs

Opponent	W.VA. WESLEYAN
Date	01/30/22
Score	109-65
w/l	W
FG	40
FGA	78
FG Pct	51%
3FG	21
3 FGA	40
3 FG PCT	53%
FT	8
FTA	8
FT PCT	100%
Off Reb	20
Def Reb	24
Tot Reb	44
Reb Per Game	39.2
PF	15
Assist	28
TO	10
Blk	6
Steal	8
Pts	109
Avg Pts Per Game	99.2
Steals per Forced TO	50%
Assist to TO Ratio	2.80
Assist per FG	70%
Points Per FGA	1.40
Points Per Possession	1.51
Num Possessions	72
Opponent Defense Reb	19
Off Reb Efficiency	51%
Forced TO	16
Game num	20
Two Pt FG %	50.0%
Effective Shooting %	64.74%

[Columbuseer]

FYI Luke Denbow is on fire for Ashland high.

• broke 21 year old school assist record with 449 assists
• Tied 50 year old school game scoring record with 42 points a couple of weeks ago
• Already leading scorer in ashland history with 1317 on dec 28- probably overv 1500 points now
• Hit 4 consecutive deep three jump shots over defenders tonight - had 20 points with 5 min. Left in 2nd quarter. Finished with 34 pts and 7 assists

Perfect fit for wlu!

[Columbuseer]

Totally agree. I hate the taunting and jawing, and I don't mind seeing a kid T'd up for it. In McKinney's case, I think it was a product of frustration after the WLU guys were getting banged around pretty good last night. Malik seems like a pretty easy-going guy on the court most of the time, but even the best of us can lose ourselves when pushed.

I agree. Malik is easy going. But he is such an awesome defender on the press in denying the inbounds pass that he takes a lot of contact and forearm shoves from opponents. Couple of years ago at frostburg he drew two offensive fouls on shoves on successive in bound plays from the same opponent! Just needs to ignore it for the team.