The 5-0 West Virginia Mountaineers, after struggling through a dismal 15-21 record in the 2018-2019 season, will almost certainly move into the Top 25 rankings with a win against Wichita State in the Cancun Challenge title game.
While the Mountaineers have looked less than impressive at times early in the season, they have found a way to win and certainly deserve credit for that. In the latest college basketball rankings, West Virginia did not receive any votes in the AP rankings and only one single vote in the Coaches Poll.
Interestingly enough, the Mountaineers are currently the 3rd ranked team in the RPI rankings behind 0nly #1 ranked Virginia and #2 ranked UTEP. In addition, West Virginia has the 13th toughest strength of schedule in the nation and are certainly deserving of votes in the AP and Coaches Polls.
West Virginia’s opponent in the Cancun Challenge title game, the Wichita State Shockers, are 6-0 and currently 43rd in the RPI and have a strength of schedule of 227th.
The Mountaineers are only a 1 point favorite over the Shockers on a neutral court so it seems that the disrespect extends to Las Vegas as well.
Although Bob Huggins’ Mountaineers are far from “fixed” after last year’s struggles, they have performed well early in the season and deserve a lot more respect than they are getting.
Headed to the 'ship! 🏆#HailWV | #CancunHoops 🌴😎🏀 pic.twitter.com/9TODqS8Nag
— WVU Basketball (@WVUhoops) November 27, 2019
