NCAA Tournament 2017 Sweet 16: Grading Each Team’s Title Hopes

West Virginia Mountaineers (4) – West Region

As stated when talking about the Zags, the West Virginia Mountaineers are 100 percent defined by their full-court press defense and the havoc that’s created as a result. According to KenPom, West Virginia under Bob Huggins is the best team in the country in regards to forcing turnovers. Their defense is well-coached, smart and full of big bodies and athletes that can just get opposing teams frustrated. Then the Mountaineers also have a solid offense to capitalize on that effort from their defense.

Of course, their offense is what also stands as their biggest flaw in the tournament. Even if efficient, that number is a bit inflated by the points that they get off turnovers. If a team is able to break their press consistently, they don’t have the overall great offense to respond. That’s even more so the case if they fall behind by any substantial amount. The Mountaineers aren’t particularly blessed in terms of shooters, which could come into play.

Again, having an elite defense—especially one as unique as Huggins’ at West Virginia—will always give a team a chance in March Madness. In fact, it gives them a good chance because it’s so hard to fully prepare for. However, their offensive questions leave them in the middle of the pack as title hopes go.

Chances: Middle of the Road