WVU has six two-game losing streaks under Bob Huggins, but no three game slides. That hasn’t happened since 2005-06 … and the Mountaineers ended up getting a Big East Tournament bye and going to the Sweet 16.

Not that one has to do with the other, but at least it’s cause for pause in case things go pear shaped tonight.

And they might. Providence isn’t the better team, but it’ll cause WVU problems. First, this’ll be the third straight game against a top 10 team, so the wow factor is probably gone by now and they’re used to playing at a certain level to stay on the floor. The Friars gave Georgetown trouble late into the second half of their last game.  

Second, the Friars play fast and try to make opponents play fast and that’s not necessarily in WVU’s wheel house.

Third, they can match strengths with the Mountaineers, namely rebounding. No one is better at offensive rebounds in the Big East than Providence. Only one team makes more 3-pointers per game. That’s extra possessions and extra points. Only Villanova scores more per game.

Fourth, you know WVU is going to have a bad stretch in the game.

The key will be pace. Georgetown gained control when it slowed down and played its way. The Mountaineers are at their best when they dictate tempo, play rough, rebound, occasionally guard and make shots, not when they hurry offense, rush shots and try to score in transition. If this gets into the upper 80s — sans free throws — then that’s bad news.

Commence with the open post, por favor.