West Virginia's Heartbreak Against Clemson: A Post-Game Stock Report

Man, sometimes sports just hit you different, don't they? West Virginia’s 71-67 loss to Clemson was one of those games – a real gut punch, especially after battling so hard. It's the kind of defeat that leaves you wondering, ‘What if?’ But even in the sting of a tough loss, you can always find some standout moments and, let's be honest, some areas where a team really needs to tighten things up. So, let’s unpack it all, looking at whose stock went up and whose took a bit of a tumble after that heartbreaker.

First, the good news, because even in defeat, some guys just shine. And boy, did Jesse Edwards ever shine! His stock? Skyrocketing. Seriously, 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks? That’s not just a good game; that's a dominant performance. He was a force on both ends of the court, a true anchor in the paint. You could see him challenging every shot, snagging rebounds, and even contributing offensively. Sure, the foul trouble was a slight hiccup, a tiny blemish on an otherwise stellar night, but his impact was undeniable. He truly was a beast, the kind of player you build around.

Then there’s Kerr Kriisa. His stock definitely went up, too, even if he found himself in early foul trouble. When he was on the court, you just saw the difference. He tallied 10 points, dished out 6 assists, and grabbed 4 rebounds, but it was more than just the numbers. His court vision is something else, isn't it? He’s always looking for the best pass, orchestrating the offense, and showing that leadership presence. Even with the early fouls, he found a way to be effective and keep the team in sync. That’s resilience right there.

And who could forget Noah Farrakhan? Talk about making an impact when it counts! He scored 11 points, with a good chunk of those coming late in the game, when the pressure was really on. His aggressiveness was noticeable, pushing the pace and looking to create. He hit some crucial shots that kept West Virginia in the fight, showcasing a clutch factor that’s going to be vital moving forward. You could just feel his energy.

Another name on the ‘stock up’ list has to be Akok Akok. He brought an absolute ton of energy, hustling his way to 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 blocks. He’s one of those guys who just does the dirty work, diving for loose balls, challenging shots, and just generally making a nuisance of himself for the opposition. His defensive presence was huge, and he really injected life into the team whenever he was on the floor. A true spark plug, that’s what he is.

Now, let's pivot to the areas where things weren't quite so rosy, the 'stock down' performances. Unfortunately, Seth Wilson had a really tough night. Zero points, going 0-for-5 from the field… it was just one of those games where the shots simply weren't falling, and he couldn't quite find his rhythm. Every player has these nights, of course, but you could see the frustration as he struggled to get anything going. It’s a collective game, but individually, this was a difficult outing.

Then there’s RaeQuan Battle. His stock took a hit, too. Scoring just 6 points on 2-for-11 shooting from the field is tough, and frankly, it felt like a lot of those attempts were contested or rushed. He’s clearly a talented player, no doubt about it, but he just seemed to struggle with his shot selection and efficiency against Clemson. He needs to find a way to get cleaner looks and convert them; that's the bottom line. You know he's capable of more, and sometimes it just feels like he's trying a little too hard.

Beyond individual players, there were some significant team-wide issues that saw their stock plummet. Ball security, for one, was a huge problem. 15 turnovers? That’s simply too many, especially in a tight game against a good opponent. Those possessions are gold, and giving them away so cheaply, particularly in crucial moments, is just inexcusable. It felt like they shot themselves in the foot more than once with careless passes and lapses in concentration.

Closely related to that was shot selection. There were too many rushed shots, too many attempts that felt forced rather than part of a fluid offensive set. When you’re pressing, it’s easy to settle for a tough shot, but against a disciplined team like Clemson, you just can’t afford it. Patience is key, and it seemed to be lacking at times, leading to empty possessions and giving the ball back to the opposition too quickly.

And finally, perhaps the hardest pill to swallow: the inability to close out the game. West Virginia had a lead late, and to let it slip away like that? That’s a real morale killer. It’s not just about one play or one player; it’s about collective composure, execution, and making the right decisions in crunch time. Learning how to put an opponent away when you have the advantage is a critical skill, and it’s one that this team clearly needs to refine. It leaves you with a lingering feeling of 'what could have been,' doesn't it?

So, while the loss stings, and it truly does, there are valuable lessons here. The performances of guys like Edwards, Kriisa, Farrakhan, and Akok show a promising core. But the struggles with ball security, shot selection, and closing games? Those are clear signals for improvement. This team has fight, that much is clear, but translating that fight into consistent wins will mean addressing these areas head-on. It’s a process, after all, and every game, even a heartbreaking loss, is a step along that path.