MORGANTOWN — In a significant achievement for West Virginia University (WVU) men’s basketball, head coach Ross Hodge secured his first major victory by leading the Mountaineers to an impressive 86-75 win over the No. 22 Kansas Jayhawks on December 2, 2023. This victory not only halted a series of challenging games for the Mountaineers but also marked a turning point in Hodge’s inaugural season.
The match took place at the WVU Coliseum, where Hodge’s strategic acumen was put to the test against Kansas coach Bill Self. Following the game, Self acknowledged Hodge’s effective coaching, noting, “He got them three lay-ups coming out of timeouts. To be honest, we walked over every one of them. Their offensive execution was a hell of a lot better than our defensive execution.”
Hodge’s victory comes after a rollercoaster start to the season, where the Mountaineers faced disappointing losses against teams like Ohio State and Xavier, along with a tough matchup against Wake Forest. These earlier setbacks had raised questions about the program’s direction under Hodge. However, the recent victory against Kansas has provided a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and Hodge’s reputation.
Turning Challenges into Triumphs
The Mountaineers’ victory was particularly noteworthy considering they played without starting point guard Jasper Floyd, who was sidelined due to foul trouble. Despite this setback, the team rallied, demonstrating resilience against Kansas’ formidable guard Darryn Peterson, who scored 23 points.
Hodge emphasized the importance of belief among his players, stating, “It’s a combination of belief, which I think this group has always had, but then you actually have to go and do it.” He credited his players for stepping up during crucial moments, especially when the Jayhawks led 59-51 with just over 14 minutes remaining in the game.
Hodge’s coaching style is characterized by a focus on positivity and confidence, which was evident during a pivotal timeout when he challenged his players to improve defensively. He firmly stated, “We’re still going to win this game, but we’re going to look back at the stretch to now and what got us in this hole.”
In the postgame media conference, Hodge refrained from taking personal credit for the victory, highlighting the collective effort of his team. His humility and emphasis on teamwork resonated with both players and fans alike, reinforcing a culture of unity within the Mountaineers program.
A Reflection on Kansas’ Performance
Despite the defeat, Self remained candid about his team’s struggles. He remarked, “We suck right now. But, it’s right now. Everybody goes through ebbs and flows through the season.” The Jayhawks have faced challenges in their recent games, highlighting the competitive nature of the Big 12 Conference this season.
As the Mountaineers look forward, they have six remaining games against teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25. This upcoming schedule offers an opportunity for Hodge to further establish his coaching credentials and solidify WVU’s position in the conference.
Overall, this victory against Kansas serves as a significant milestone for Ross Hodge and the WVU men’s basketball program, showcasing their potential and resilience in a season marked by ups and downs. The Mountaineers are poised to build on this success as they continue their campaign in the competitive landscape of college basketball.
