West Virginia University head men’s basketball coach, Russ Hodge, was formally introduced to Big 12 hoops last Friday. The Mountaineers made the trip to Ames to open up conference play against Iowa State.
The Cyclones went into the clash ranked number three in the country and, as most teams tend to play better at home, making this an uphill battle from the start. WVU was flying under the radar with a pedestrian nine and four mark mark, entering battle which helped them to keep it competitive early in the affair. A few timeouts into the game and a few words of encouragement from the coaching staff helped to motivate Iowa State to turn up the level of play. The Cyclones would gain some breathing room and they nestled into a comfortable 13-point halftime lead.
Nearly halfway through the second half, Iowa State had garnered all of the momentum, resulting in a 19-point cushion. The Cyclones would put it in cruise control and coast to an 80 to 59 win. It was a very unfriendly welcome for Hodges.
Iowa State didn’t roll out the red carpet or one that resembled the pretty one Hodge has seen prior to all nine of his wins, all of which have come in Morgantown. It takes a near perfect effort from both players and coaches to win Big 12 games, especially those that take place away from home.
The “never quit” Mountaineers played hard throughout, which is a good sign for Mountaineer Nation. They were led by Chance Moore’s 17 points and seven rebounds. D. J. Thomas was the only West Virginia player to score in double digits. Thomas added 10 points and a pair of steals in the defeat.
This Saturday, the Mountaineers are sure to pack the Coliseum as they host Kansas for a high noon tip. The Jayhawks aren’t as strong as they typically have been, but they are still a top 20 team and could provide Hodge with his first big time victory at WVU. His first win (even though it was an exhibition game) in Morgantown came against Mountain East Conference member Wheeling.
The Cardinals were in Buckhannon for a lock-up with West Virginia Wesleyan. Wheeling went into the tilt just a half game out of first place. The Bobcats and Head Coach Derek Sloan were down a few players due to illness and Wheeling would break open a close game and then held off a furious rally late to take the 78 to 72 win.
Brett Vincent and his Wesleyan women’s squad won the first game of the double header in dramatic come from behind fashion 72 to 67. The victory gave the Bobcats a four game win streak and in the process they have managed to win six out of their last seven games. Vincent has his team balling for a conference championship and they have all of the necessary pieces to bring a title to Buckhannon.
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . Take care and God Bless!!!
