Breaking Down WVU’s Starting Lineup for the Mercer Bears Matchup

Five Mountaineers Set to Start

West Virginia coach Ross Hodge submitted his starting lineup for the game against the Mercer Bears. The five players are guards Miles Sadler and Finley Bizjack, forwards Seydou Traore and Brenen Lorient, and center Mouhamed Sylla.

Sadler, a true freshman, has averaged 20.5 points and made 56% of his field-goal attempts across the first two games. Bizjack has been steady, though his three-point shots have not fallen in those games.

Roles Across the Frontcourt

Traore, a transfer from Utah, has made his mark defensively by pressuring ball-handlers and switching smoothly. He has had less impact on offense, but has shown he can score.

Lorient is averaging 6.5 points while taking three fewer shots per game. The report describes his start as slow and suggests he is adjusting to a new team with more offensive options than last year’s group.

Sylla Could Test Mercer’s Size

Sylla, a second-year big man, could have an opportunity against Mercer’s lack of size. His athleticism may also challenge the Bears’ Makoi Mabor Makoi. The matchup is set for 7 p.m. ET, with streaming available on ESPN+. West Virginia’s schedule includes the Players Era tournament and a neutral-court game against North Carolina in Charlotte, making this its final home game of the month.