West Virginia University (WVU) men’s basketball team is set to face Wake Forest today at 18:00 in the Charleston Coliseum. This matchup marks a significant return for the Mountaineers, who are looking to capitalize on a complete roster against a formidable opponent.
WVU head coach Ross Hodge acknowledged the excitement of having his full team available, comparing it to a rock band reuniting, although he noted they are still finding their rhythm. “The band is back together, but it’s not like they’re playing hit music right now,” Hodge said. The Mountaineers, sporting a record of 7-2, have the chance to prove themselves against Wake Forest, which has a record of 6-3.
With the return of guard Chance Moore and forward Jackson Fields, both players are now familiar with their roles in Hodge’s ten-player rotation. Moore, a transfer from St. Bonaventure, has led the team in scoring in two of the last four games, averaging 5.3 rebounds per game and shooting nearly 52% from the field. Fields, who recently returned from wrist surgery, is contributing with an average of nine points per game and has shot 70% from the field since his comeback.
Hodge expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete against a strong team. “We want to reward that part of our fan base, and to do it with a quality opponent, there’s a lot to be excited about,” he explained. The Mountaineers will be looking to rebound from two recent losses against Power Conference teams, Clemson and Xavier, which took place last week.
Opportunity for Growth in Charleston
This game is particularly significant as it marks WVU’s first trip to the Charleston Coliseum since 2016, when it was still known as the Civic Center. Moore emphasized the team’s eagerness to compete in Charleston, stating, “We’re excited to go down to Charleston and try to get a win down there and compete.”
Wake Forest, despite a recent loss to Oklahoma, has proven to be a challenging adversary. Two of their losses have come in tightly contested games against nationally ranked teams, including an overtime defeat to Michigan and a narrow loss to Texas Tech. The Demon Deacons are known for their guard-heavy, three-point offense, averaging nine three-pointers per game and having made ten in their recent close match against Michigan.
Hodge highlighted Wake Forest’s competitive nature, noting that they led in the Michigan game for the majority of the time. “Wake Forest had that game with an opportunity to win it too,” he remarked.
Player Performances to Watch
Among the players to watch, Wake Forest guard Juke Harris has made a significant impact this season. After averaging 6.1 points as a freshman, Harris is now scoring an impressive 19.9 points per game and contributing 7.1 rebounds. His shooting accuracy from three-point range is also noteworthy, nearing 37%.
Additionally, Tre’Von Spillers, a 6-foot-7 forward, adds depth to Wake Forest’s lineup with an average of 14 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
Hodge sees this matchup as an opportunity for his team to learn more about themselves in a challenging yet exciting environment. “It’s a great opportunity to learn more about ourselves and our team in a great environment against a great team,” he expressed.
As the Mountaineers prepare to take the court, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an electrifying game in Charleston. Fans and players alike are ready for a thrilling matchup that could define the trajectory of both teams as the season progresses.
