West Virginia University’s men’s basketball team faced a challenging defeat against Xavier University, losing 78-68 in the Charleston Classic on March 3, 2024. The Mountaineers struggled defensively, allowing the Musketeers to tie their season high with 16 three-pointers, significantly contributing to their loss at TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina.
The game began with West Virginia taking an early lead, but Xavier quickly erased an eight-point deficit. The Musketeers excelled from beyond the arc, shooting 8 of 13 in the first half. Their offensive prowess culminated in a 7-0 run, which secured a 36-28 advantage by halftime. “We allowed them to establish a comfort zone and a rhythm offensively,” stated WVU head coach Ross Hodge during his radio postgame show.
As the second half unfolded, Xavier maintained its momentum. Whenever the Mountaineers threatened to close the gap, the Musketeers responded decisively. Jovan Milicevic and Tre Carroll emerged as key players, each contributing five three-pointers throughout the game. Xavier’s shooting from deep proved relentless, with another eight three-pointers made in the second half.
Hodge noted the difficulty in establishing a defensive presence, stating, “We weren’t impactful enough on the defensive end of the floor, and they were able to move the ball freely and find the open man. When they found the open man, they didn’t miss.” The Musketeers ended the game with a shooting percentage of 45.5% (25 of 55), a stark contrast to the Mountaineers’ struggles on defense.
Despite their defensive issues, West Virginia did have some offensive advantages. The Mountaineers dominated in second-chance points, outscoring Xavier 13-2. However, their inability to capitalize on physical mismatches was evident. Harlan Obioha, who was expected to make a significant impact, managed only three points and two rebounds in 15 minutes of play. Hodge remarked on the disappointment: “We had an advantage physically, but we weren’t able to establish that.”
The Mountaineers had previously built a strong defensive reputation, ranking fourth in the nation for points allowed after winning their first five games of the season, all played in Morgantown. However, their performance in Charleston highlighted vulnerabilities. In their tournament opener, they lost to Clemson, who shot 46% and capitalized on opportunities inside.
While the game marked a tough outing for West Virginia, there were bright spots. Honor Huff scored all 16 of his points in the second half, and Brenen Lorient added 11 points. Notably, Trey Eaglestaff had a season-high 20 points, showcasing an aggressive offensive style that included eight successful field goals despite a struggle from three-point range.
Looking ahead, the Mountaineers will have a week to regroup before hosting Mercyhurst on March 10, 2024, at Hope Coliseum. The team will aim to refine their defensive strategies and capitalize on their physical advantages to return to winning form.
