MORANTOWN — Mark Adams said the adjustments were simple and to the point, where it concerned defending WVU forward Jalen Bridges.
“Don’t let him shoot anymore,” the Texas Tech coach said Saturday, after the Red Raiders pulled out a 60-53 victory in front of 12,673 fans inside the WVU Coliseum. “We knew he was capable. He was a focal point in the second half to make sure we don’t let him get as many catches and looks at the basket.”
Bridges was nearly unstoppable in the first half, scoring 16 points, while going 4 of 5 from 3-point range.
He attempted three shots in the second half and missed them all. Bridges finished with 16 points, which still led the Mountaineers (13-9, 2-7 Big 12).
“They were helping off of me and Sean (McNeil) a little bit less and didn’t allow the open looks we had in the first half,” Bridges said.
McNeil finished with 15 points, but was just 1 of 9 shooting in the second half.
“I wish I could tell you,” McNeil said. “Sometimes the ball just doesn’t go in. It’s tough. We shot 12% in the second half. That’s not going to win you a lot of ball games.”
Taz Sherman sits out
WVU senior guard Taz Sherman missed the game while still in concussion protocol.
The Big 12’s second-leading scorer took a blow to the head late in Monday’s loss against Baylor and hadn’t returned to practice as late as Friday.
It’s just the third game over three seasons Sherman has missed. He missed a game earlier this season against Texas, while in COVID-19 protocol.
With nine games remaining in the regular season, Sherman needs 65 points to reach 1,000 for his WVU career. He’s averaging 18.9 points per game this season.
Without him, WVU let a 32-26 halftime lead slip away in the early moments of the second half.
The Mountaineers made just 4 of 32 shots in the second half (12.5%).
“Well, we’re not going to go 4 for 32 if Taz is playing, that’s for sure,” WVU head coach Bob Huggins said.
In order to return from concussion protocol, Sherman must pass a series of tests after evaluations from WVU’s medical staff.
The Mountaineers’ next game is Tuesday against Iowa State. It is possible Sherman could return for that game.
News and notes
** WVU’s seven-game losing streak ties the 2012-13 team for the longest at WVU under Huggins. It’s the longest streak since the 2001-02 team had two nine-game losing streaks in that season.
** WVU forward Gabe Osabuohien set career highs with 13 rebounds and five blocked shots. Osabouhien had 10 rebounds and four blocks in the second half.
** Texas Tech’s second-half run began with 11 of 13 points coming from inside the paint to take a 39-36 lead with 14:10 remaining.
The Red Raiders outscored WVU 34-10 in the paint.
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