Bob Huggins jokes about highlight play by Erik Stevenson

Bob Huggins had all the jokes for the media on Saturday, as the West Virginia leader was in a great mood following an 89-81 victory over Kansas State.

During the victory, Erik Stevenson made the highlight reel by tossing a lob that was slammed down emphatically, and Huggins made sure to speak his mind on the dangerous attempt.

“How bad it would look if I ran out there and choked him,” joked Huggins, speaking about what was on his mind when Stevenson threw the lob. “Erik has a lot of confidence in himself, which is really a good thing. Most of the time. Sometimes he’s over-confident, with what he can do.”

Stevenson has been essential to the West Virginia operation, averaging 15.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game for the Mountaineers. Thankfully, Huggins was only joking about choking one of his star players.

Regardless, West Virginia will look to make a run in the Big 12 Tournament starting Wednesday, and we bet Bob Huggins and Erik Stevenson will be ready for battle.

Joe Lunardi reveals West Virginia’s NCAA Tournament standing at conclusion of regular season

West Virginia should safely be in the NCAA Tournament following back-to-back wins to close the regular season. According to ESPN bracketology expert Joe Lunardi, the Mountaineers are off the bubble after an 89-81 victory against Kansas State on Saturday. 

“West Virginia is officially above the bubble (No. 37 overall) after picking up its seventh Big 12 win,” Lunardi wrote in a Saturday afternoon update.

West Virginia was listed as a No. 11 seed according to Lunardi heading into Saturday. However, with the big victory against the Wildcats, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them move up a line. 

Three WVU players scored 20 or more points in Saturday’s win, led by Erik Stevensonwith 27. The Mountaineers shot 30-of-59 (50.8%) from the floor and came away with 14 steals while forcing 20 K-State turnovers. It was their third win in the past four games with their only loss coming to No. 3 Kansas by a score of 76-74. 

It would be the 11th NCAA Tournament for West Virginia in coach Bob Huggins’ 16 seasons. That includes a Final Four appearance in 2010, the deepest he has taken them in March Madness. The Mountaineers missed the tournament in the 2021-22 season after finishing 16-17. They are one of seven Big 12 schools currently projected to make the tournament according to Lunardi. 

Coming off the win against Kansas State, West Virginia heads to Kansas City for the Big 12 Tournament. The first round is set to begin Wednesday with the championship game scheduled for Saturday.