Score Predictions for West Virginia vs. Jacksonville State

Schuyler Callihan: West Virginia 71, Jacksonville State 65

West Virginia did not shoot the ball well at all in the loss to Monmouth. Going 31% from the field and 21% from three just isn't going to cut it, even against a low-major. The offensive struggles will rear its ugly head at times once again tonight but they'll be able to score enough points to come out with the win.

The one thing West Virginia needs to get out of this game outside of a win is an answer on the offensive end of the floor. What is their identity going to be? How can they become more efficient? Is that running the show through Jesse Edwards? Is it playing four out, one in? Josh Eilert and his staff need to figure that out tonight before they leave for the Fort Myers Tip-Off.

Christopher Hall: West Virginia 77 Jacksonville State 71

West Virginia must find ways to keep center Jesse Edwards involved throughout the game. The Mountaineers have found early success with Edwards in the early portion of the first two games of the season, but defensive adjustments have stymied a Mountaineer roster searching for some consistency.

Patiently running the offense is vital for West Virginia's success. There's been far too many trips down the floor where a Mountaineer takes it upon himself to score and the results have turned into easy points in transition for the opponent.

The Mountaineers have also been behind on 50/50 balls and rebounds. A short bench early in the season should not be an issue, and they showed they still had the legs at the end of the Monmouth loss Friday night but by then, it was too late. Monmouth gained confidence and hit shots with a hand in the face, and therein lies the key.

West Virginia needs to play at a high-level early and take away any chance a mid-major can pull off the upset, especially in the Coliseum. They had a 5-0 start against Monmouth but allowed chaos to erupt. It's still going to take time to find cohesion on offense, but as Edwards gets more touches, it will free up others for better looks.

It's hard to get a pulse on this squad but I suspect they'll continue to grow. This will likely be another ugly game, but the Mountaineers bounce back with a 77-71 victory.

Spread & Over/Under Predictions for WVU vs. Jacksonville State

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