MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As he fiddles with substitution patterns, installs offensive sets and verses newcomers on the full-court press, coach Bob Huggins sees value to No. 24 West Virginia playing six games in 12 days.
The Mountaineers (2-1) play their third game in that string Monday night when they host Long Beach State (2-1), a precursor to leaving for the Advocare Invitational later this week in Orlando.
“I like (stacking games) this time of year because it really helps your conditioning,” Huggins said. “I like it when we win.”
Winning has come easily during the first two home games, including 111-48 over Morgan State on Saturday. West Virginia built a 42-point lead in the opening half, coasting to its most sizable victory since 2007. Guard Daxter Miles finished with a career-best 32 points and the team’s 45 baskets were the second-most in 20 seasons.
“We shot the ball well and we did a better job in transition,” Huggins said.
Miles (18.3 points) leads three teammates scoring in double figures, benefiting from the all-around production of point guard Jevon Carter, who averages 16.3 points, 6.3 assists, 4.7 rebounds and five steals.
“He’s learning how to be a point guard,” Huggins said. “I think JC’s more interested in his assists and his steals and rebounds than he is scoring the ball. He passed up shots (against Morgan State) because were were shooting it too quick.”
Beetle Bolden is averaging 16 points off the bench while sinking 10-of-20 shots from 3-point range. Upon subbing in against Morgan State the sophomore bailed West Virginia out of a potential shot-clock violation by swishing a contested 24-footer.
Sophomores Lamont West (9.7 points) and Wesley Harris (8.3 points, 6.0 rebounds) and freshman Teddy Allen (8.7 points) are rotational contributors for West Virginia, which stands 59-4 in nonconference home games under Huggins.
“It starts with JC and Dax,” Allen said. “Those guys really set the tone for us.”
Long Beach State was picked fourth in the nine-team Big West with forwards Gabe Levin and Temiidayo Yussuf selected preseason all-conference.
The 6-foot-7 Levin (11.7 points, 9.0 rebounds), recovered from last December’s knee injury, has returned to his double-double form. Yussuf has yet to be cleared after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in the preseason.
“He’s due back any time,” said 49ers coach Don Monson. “He’s doing some non-contact stuff now.”
Guard Barry Ogalue (17.3 points, 5.7 rebounds) has been a senior surprise for Long Beach State, as has Gonzaga transfer Bryan Alberts (15.3 points, 41 percent on 3s).
The Beach, which is traveling cross-country after losing 89-81 at Oregon State late Saturday night, also will head to the Advocare Invitational after the game in Morgantown. There’s a chance the 49ers could see West Virginia again, though it could only take place in the championship game.
Prediction: West Virginia 92, Long Beach State 70