The West Virginia University women’s basketball team has a lot going on over the next few weeks including Superhero Day on Saturday, the Mike Carey Show debut on Monday and No. 6/7-ranked Baylor at the Coliseum on Jan. 30.
Noticeable Improvement Statistically
Making comparisons can always be difficult to quantify, but this year’s women’s basketball team has made significant improvements in several key statistical areas. The difference is quite stark considering West Virginia has 11 new players this season and the team is the sixth youngest in the country by scholarship percentage.
This time a season ago, the Mountaineers were 12-6 overall and 2-4 in Big 12 action with a 61 RPI. This year, West Virginia is 14-4 overall with a 3-2 record in Big 12 play and an RPI of 38.
Last season after 18 games, the Mountaineers were shooting 42.0 percent from the field and 26.8 percent from behind the three-point line. In 18 games this season, WVU’s shooting percentage is a solid 44.3 percent (+2.3) and 32.0 percent (+5.2) from behind the three-point line. Additionally, WVU has made 28 more treys than at this point a year ago.
Assists have also increased for the Mountaineers this season, as WVU is averaging 15.6 assists per game compared to 14.2 a year ago.
On the defensive end, Mountaineer opponents were connecting on 35.4 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from behind the arc. This season, opponents are only hitting 33.7 percent from the field and 29.3 percent from behind the three-point line.
Big 12 in the RPI
4. Baylor
8. Texas
28. Oklahoma
38. West Virginia
44. Oklahoma State
49. Kansas State
78. Iowa State
89. TCU
142. Texas Tech
175. Kansas
Power Conference RPIs
1. Pac-12
2. Big 12
3. SEC
4. Big Ten
5. ACC
Holmes Nearing No. 4 on Scoring Chart
Bria Holmes needs 14 points to pass Kate Bulger (1,733) for fourth on WVU’s all-time scoring ledger. Holmes has produced 1,720 points in 121 career games. She ranks in the top 10 in 10 different statistical career categories at West Virginia. If Holmes continues her scoring pace of 17.1 points per game, she would finish with 1,942 points during the regular season. She could become the third Mountaineer women's basketball player to reach 2,000 points if she has a few more breakout games this season.
Carey One Away from 600th Career Win
Mike Carey needs just one victory to record his 600th career win. The Clarksburg native registered 288 victories in 13 seasons as the men’s coach at Salem and has notched 311 victories in 15 seasons at Wet Virginia.
Mike Carey Show Debuts Monday
The Mike Carey Show debuts at Kegler’s, Morgantown’s most popular sports bar and restaurant, on Monday, Jan. 18.
There will be four shows over the next two months, all airing from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The other three dates are Monday, Jan. 25, Monday, Feb. 8 and Monday, Feb. 15.
WVU women’s basketball play-by-play voice Jeff Culhane will serve as host of the show. Fans can listen on WRLF 94.3 FM in Morgantown/Fairmont, 104.9 WPDX FM in Clarksburg and WJYP AM 1300 in St. Albans. Additionally, the show will air live on WVUsports.com and via the TuneIn radio app.
Superhero Day Saturday
West Virginia University women’s basketball will host its annual Superhero Day this Saturday, Jan. 16, when the Mountaineers welcome Kansas to the WVU Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
Mountaineer fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero. Admission for Saturday’s contest is just $1 courtesy of United Bank. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a superhero mask presented by United Bank.
Halftime entertainment will be provided by Heroes4Higher. Batman and Batwoman will speak to kids about how to prevent bullying. The organization based in West Virginia has been featured nationally on programs such as NBC’s Today Show. Since 2013, Heroes4Higher has performed at over 200 schools. Additionally, the Heroes4Higher Batmobile will be displayed at the Coliseum.
Carey’s Crew Appreciation Day is also Saturday, where members can get free pizza and autographs from their favorite Mountaineer player. Authors of the new children’s book “Musket’s Big Adventure” will be signing autographs in the concourse before Saturday’s game.
Baylor Game is Family Day
One of the biggest games of the year will be Saturday, Jan. 30, when No. 6/7-ranked Baylor visits the Coliseum. This is one of two Family Day promotions for the year. Fans can get four tickets, four hotdogs, four sodas and a box of popcorn for $25. The game is a Gold Rush, as Mountaineer fans are encouraged to wear gold. Additionally, WVU women’s basketball alumni will return to Morgantown for the annual Alumni Weekend.
