Junior guard Alex Ruoff got hot early, and didn't cool off until exiting the game for good midway through the second half of West Virginia's lopsided victory. Ruoff scored a game-high 22 points on a blistering eight-of-nine shooting performance. The Spring Hill, Fla. native made all five of his three-point attempts.
Ruoff needed just 22 minutes to notch his career high, matching his jersey number in the process. Ruoff showed much better control than he did two nights ago in West Virginia's win over Arkansas-Monticello. Against the Boll Weevils, the junior looked to be pressing himself too much at times, but quelled any such issues against the Panthers.
NET BURNERS
The Mountaineer bench had an incredibly productive game against the Panthers. West Virginia's reserves accounted for 41 points in the blowout, most of which came from the trio of Wellington Smith (nine), John Flowers (eight), and Ted Talkington (seven). Redshirt freshman big man Jacob Green also made solid contributions with seven rebounds, four points, two blocked shots, and two steals.
West Virginia's man-to-man defense was much improved in comparison to Friday night. The Mountaineers forced 34 Panther turnovers, tying a Coliseum record in the process.
Junior forward Joe Alexander filled out the stat sheet with eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, four steals, and seven blocked shots. Perhaps Alexander's most impressive feat came while attempting to save a loose ball. Even with his team leading by a more than comfortable margin, Alexander left it all on the floor by going airborne over two rows of the Coliseum's courtside seats before safely landing in the pep band.