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Mountaineers set to host Pitt today

Knee injury could keep Konate out

MORGANTOWN – For the first time since the 2011-12 season, Pittsburgh will pay a visit to the Coliseum at noon today to battle West Virginia.

The non-conference contest will be televised on ESPN2.

The Panthers bring a 7-2 mark into the hoops version of “Backyard Brawl” and the Mountaineers are 5-3.

West Virginia was plagued by cold shooting and turnovers in Tuesday night’s 66-56 loss to Florida at Madison Square Garden. The Mountaineers shot just 29.7 percent from the floor and committed 21 miscues.

“That was our worst game by far,” junior guard Chase Harler said. “We have to learn from it and the main thing is effort.

“We think we’re playing hard, but at this level, there is a whole other level we have to reach. That’s where we’re kind of struggling right now.”

Bob Huggins is still unsure what to expect from his squad, which has been plagued injuries, inexperience and the struggles of his veteran returnees.

“I don’t know who is going to show up each day,” the veteran coach said. “Brandon (Knapper) has had moments when he’s been pretty good. He’s also had moments when he’s been really bad. We’re asking a whole lot out of guys who have zero experience.”

Both guard James “Beetle” Bolden and junior center Sagaba Konate have been slowed by injuries, while senior Esa Ahmad is in a funk with his shot and turnovers.

Konate is doubtful for today’s game with a knee issue and didn’t practice on Thursday.

“When you take two of the three guys (Bolden and Konate) who played the most for us, really they haven’t practiced. Esa is struggling and we need him to be consistent.

“It’s a whole lot of things. There isn’t one thing you can put your finger on.”

Ahmad tops the WVU in scoring with 15.4 ppg.

The Panthers, under first-year coach Jeff Capel, have been led by freshman guard Xavier Johnson, who is averaging 16.3 points and has reached double figures in all nine games.

Pitt is coming off 71-70 setback to 3-4 Niagara on Monday as it committed 24 turnovers. The Panthers also lost at No. 18 Iowa (69-68).

Three other Panther players are averaging in double figures — senior swingman Jared Wilson-Frame (13.4), freshman guard Trey McGowns (12.0) and junior guard Malik Ellison (11.6).

After today’s game, the Mountaineers will be idle until Dec. 16 when they play Rhode Island in the Basketball Hall of Fame Holiday Showcase at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

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