In a decisive matchup on November 14, 2023, the West Virginia Mountaineers secured a commanding victory against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks, finishing the game at 69-47. This win marked West Virginia’s third consecutive victory, showcasing their strong performance in the early season of NCAA basketball.
The Mountaineers took control early in the game, leading 42-20 at halftime. Their offensive strategy was spearheaded by Lorient, who scored an impressive 26 points, hitting 11 of 15 field goal attempts. Obioha contributed significantly as well, adding 12 points and pulling down 8 rebounds, further solidifying West Virginia’s dominance on the court.
Lehigh struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match, shooting only 34% from the field. Their top scorer, Urosevic, managed to notch 16 points, but received limited support from teammates, with Ingram being the only other player to reach double digits with 14 points. The Mountain Hawks’ inability to convert their chances was evident, as they finished the game with 16 field goals compared to West Virginia’s 23.
Key Statistics Highlight Team Performances
The statistics from the game reveal the disparity in performance between the two teams. Lehigh attempted 47 shots, making 16, while West Virginia capitalized on 49 attempts, making 23. The Mountaineers also excelled in free throws, converting 16 of 25 attempts compared to Lehigh’s 8 of 11.
Rebounding played a crucial role in the outcome, with West Virginia securing 35 boards, against Lehigh’s 21. Alvey led the way for Lehigh on the glass with 8 rebounds, but it was not enough to offset West Virginia’s advantage in this area.
Assists were another area where West Virginia outperformed Lehigh, recording 11 assists to Lehigh’s 8. Floyd led the Mountaineers with 4 assists, showcasing his playmaking ability and contributing to the team’s fluid offensive execution.
The foul count further illustrated the nature of the game, with Lehigh committing 19 fouls compared to just 8 for West Virginia. This disparity allowed the Mountaineers to maintain a more aggressive style of play without fear of foul trouble.
Looking Ahead
As West Virginia improves to 3-0, they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games. The team’s strong start indicates they could be a contender as the season progresses. Conversely, Lehigh, now 1-2, will need to regroup and strategize to enhance their performance in future matchups.
This game serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of NCAA basketball, where every game can present new challenges and opportunities for growth. Teams will continue to refine their skills and strategies as the season unfolds, with fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.
