1956–57 West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team

The 1956–57 West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team represented West Virginia University in NCAA college basketball competition in the 1956–57 season. Coached by Fred Schaus and competing in the Southern Conference, the Mountaineers started the season strong, beating their first eight opponents, which included 19th-ranked NC State. However, in the 1956 Dixie Classic, the undefeated streak fell apart, and West Virginia lost all three of their tournament games.[1] The team regrouped and won their next 11, only losing one more game in the regular season. They cruised through the Southern Conference tournament, beating Davidson, Richmond, and Washington & Lee each by double-digit margins for their third consecutive Southern Conference championship.[2] Their season came to an end when 20th-ranked Canisius felled them in the first round of the NCAA tournament.[3]

1956–57 West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball
Southern Conference champions
NCAA tournament, first round
ConferenceSouthern Conference
Ranking
APNo. 7
Record25–5 (12–0 SoCon)
Head coach
Home arenaWVU Field House
Seasons
1956–57 Southern Conference men's basketball standings
Conf Overall
Team W   L   PCT W   L   PCT
No. 7 West Virginia 12 0   1.000 25 5   .833
Washington and Lee 10 3   .769 20 7   .741
Virginia Tech 12 5   .706 14 8   .636
Furman 7 5   .583 10 17   .370
Richmond 9 7   .563 15 11   .577
William & Mary 7 11   .389 9 18   .333
The Citadel 5 9   .357 11 14   .440
Davidson 4 8   .333 7 20   .259
George Washington 3 9   .250 3 21   .125
VMI 1 13   .071 4 22   .154
Southern Conference Tournament winner
Rankings from AP Poll

References

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  1. ^ Brooks, Bob (December 30, 1956). "Mounties' Fold Is Bitter Disappointment to Coach". The News and Observer. p. 15.
  2. ^ McCutcheon, Andy (March 11, 1957). "Sharrar, Hundley on Tourney Team". The Richmond News Leader. p. 22.
  3. ^ "North Carolina Humbles Yale To Advance in Tournament". The Daily Journal. March 13, 1957. p. 10.
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