MORGANTOWN — A tapping of his head and some words got Jalen Bridges a technical foul after dunking against Texas.
He didn’t get an explanation from referees, probably didn’t need one, either.
“That’s just one of those plays you have to take it and move on,” the WVU forward said.
The Mountaineers (11-2, 0-1 Big 12) will have a week in between their loss last weekend at Texas and Saturday’s home game against Kansas State, which is currently dealing with a limited roster due to COVID-19 protocol.
The Wildcats (8-5, 0-2) were missing seven players and head coach Bruce Weber in their 70-57 loss against Texas on Tuesday.
WVU, too, had leading scorer Taz Sherman, as well as teammates Gabe Osabouhien and Kobe Johnson out against the Longhorns, because they were in COVID protocol.
“Taz and Gabe, those are our two senior leaders,” Bridges said. “It’s obviously going to be a struggle without them. It was definitely a challenge. We battled, but we just weren’t making shots at times.”
Other doors may have opened in the defeat, including Bridges taking on more offensive responsibility.
Without Sherman, Bridges admitted the offense was stagnant and Texas had an easier job in keeping the Mountaineers from running what they wanted to run.
Someone had to take a leap of faith and step up, and that guy was Bridges.
“Obviously Taz puts the ball in the hoop at a very high level,” Bridges said. “Without him, there was a huge drop-off in our scoring. I just tried to step up and be aggressive to the best of my abilities.”
He took a season-high 11 shots and was 4 of 7 from 3-point range.
Bridges’ 18 points tied his season high and it was the first time in nine games he scored in double figures.
“I thought J.B. was good,” WVU head coach Bob Huggins said. “He’s struggled, because he wasn’t making shots. He’s spent time in the gym and he’s been making shots in practice.”
The real test could come Saturday, as Sherman, Osabuohien and Johnson could be out of COVID protocol and ready to get back in the Mountaineers’ rotation.
If Bridges can keep up a certain level of aggressiveness with Sherman back, the Mountaineers may suddenly have the third offensive option they’ve been looking for.
“I feel like this gives me a lot more confidence moving forward,” Bridges said. “When Taz, Gabe and Kobe get back, I feel like we can really get things rolling.”
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