Not all impacts are felt within the scoring column within the sport of basketball.
And that was definitely the case with what Eduardo Andre and Sencire Harris dropped at the desk within the 73-60 win over Georgetown.
Andre scored 4 factors and three rebound however was a distinction maker on the defensive finish of the ground with 4 blocks together with a number of the place it led to the Mountaineers getting out in transition.
In a sport the place West Virginia struggled within the half courtroom within the first half, however Andre’s three blocks within the second half particularly a sequence the place he acquired two blocks inside three journeys down the ground when the Mountaineers have been trailing 43-41 with simply over 12-minutes left.
“I actually felt that Eduardo actually ignited a few of that for us. Blocked a few photographs which led us to getting out in transition. We have been in a position to get a pair open appears to be like that we weren’t getting in a few of the half courtroom stuff, and I assumed it freed us up a little bit bit,” head coach Darian DeVries mentioned.
The senior 5 man is the perfect shot blocker on the roster for the Mountaineers and made essentially the most of his 16 minutes enjoying his position on the staff to perfection.
“It was good to have him again within the lineup given that presence defensively,” DeVries mentioned.
Harris scored simply 6 factors on 2-7 taking pictures however contributed throughout the board with 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and a pair of blocks all whereas enjoying relentless protection on the opposite finish of the ground. He additionally helped to guide the break for West Virginia of their second half comeback.
Georgetown guard Jayden Epps was simply 1-8 from the sector within the second half of the sport and was largely the project of Harris who was in a position to pressure him into contested photographs. In comparison with the primary half the place Epps was 5-6 from the sector and had 13 factors as Georgetown held a slender halftime lead.
What kind of impression did Harris have on the outcome? West Virginia was +19 with him on the ground, the best mark of anyone on the roster.
“Typically folks get so caught up within the scoring and I get it however Buck’s impression on successful with what he did tonight defensively that’s onerous to do. To manage a man like Epps and maintain him to 2 factors within the second half and go get 9 rebounds and lead the break in transition. There’s a variety of issues that guys try this impression successful apart from scoring and he’s definitely considered one of them,” DeVries mentioned.
That’s the place West Virginia has proven essentially the most progress is that gamers are beginning to perceive and embrace their roles with a view to be a greater general staff. That isn’t simple with a set of latest gamers coming collectively, however they’re began to know their particular person efforts mix collectively to offer the Mountaineers their finest likelihood towards any staff on the schedule.
“I really feel like that position acceptance on groups is a large a part of successful. And that’s what retains some groups from successful is the lack for groups to do this and I really feel like our guys are utterly purchased into no matter I’ve acquired to do to assist the staff they usually’re rising into that now. And that’s enjoyable to see as a coach,” DeVries mentioned.
And the strategy of Harris and Andre definitely match that mould.
