It was a matter of frustration, Bob Huggins said that led him to using a four-guard lineup for a long stretch in the second half of WVU’s 75-64 victory against Stony Brook on Thursday.
WVU was struggling to find any rhythm and Huggins was looking for a jolt of energy.
“I wanted them to sit less than the other guys,” Huggins said. “You’ve got to love the game.”
Kedrian Johnson and Erik Stevenson — normally in the Mountaineers’ starting rotation — were joined by Joe Toussaint and Seth Wilson.
Johnson tied his career high with 18 points, and WVU’s guards ended up scoring 60 of the 75 points.
“We put four guards in the game to speed up the game and try and muck it up a little bit,” Stevenson said. “I think it did its job. Obviously we turned them over a little bit and forced up a couple of air balls. We kind of got the momentum on our side and pulled out a win.”
The guards were used in some full-court pressure defense that changed the game. Stony Brook finished with 14 turnovers and WVU scored 20 points off those turnovers.
“I think the only negative is us not rebounding, and we all can rebound,” Toussaint said. “On the outside, I love it. We can switch all the screens and pressure the ball. I feel there is tremendous upside to playing four guards.”
Upside or not, it’s not exactly a lineup Huggins would favor against bigger and more athletic teams in the Big 12.
Then again, frustration from Huggins could lead to many things.
“When I’m not frustrated?” Huggins said. “The way we’re going, we’re going to play four guards a lot.”
Trying out new guys
WVU guard Kobe Johnson got his fourth start of the season, but did not play in the second half.
Huggins did get a look at sophomore Jamel King , who played a season-high eight minutes.
“I tried to get (King) some time,” Huggins said. “I tried to get some of those guys that practice every day that don’t get to play very much some time to play.”
King finished 0 of 3 shooting, but did grab two rebounds.
News and notes
Emmitt Matthews Jr. missed his second consecutive game with an injured left knee. Huggins said the hope was to have the forward back in time for the Big 12 opener on Dec. 31 at Kansas State.
Former WVU guard Chase Harler was in attendance courtside. The Moundville native played at WVU from 2016-20.
Stony Brook forward Frankie Policelli had 11 rebounds at halftime. He finished with 14.
It was quite a night at the free-throw line. Stony Brook was a perfect 15 of 15, while the Mountaineers finished 18 of 21.
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