In a disappointing outing for the West Virginia Mountaineers, the team fell to the Xavier Musketeers 78-68 at the Charleston Classic on December 3, 2023. Xavier showcased a strong shooting performance, tying its season high with 16 three-pointers, which proved crucial in their victory at TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina.
Xavier’s Shooting Prowess Shines
The Mountaineers struggled defensively, allowing Xavier to find its rhythm early in the game. “We allowed them to establish a comfort zone and a rhythm offensively,” said WVU head coach Ross Hodge during his postgame radio show. The Musketeers overcame an early eight-point deficit by hitting 8 of 13 from beyond the arc in the first half, finishing the half with a 36-28 lead.
In the second half, Xavier continued its offensive onslaught. Despite attempts from West Virginia to close the gap, players like Jovan Milicevic and Tre Carroll consistently responded with critical three-point shots. With just under four minutes left in the game, Milicevic’s long-range shot helped maintain a comfortable lead for Xavier.
This victory marked a significant achievement for Xavier, whose 16 three-pointers tied the record for the most ever made against WVU. Hodge noted, “When they found the open man, they didn’t miss,” emphasizing the need for improved defensive performance.
West Virginia’s Struggles Continue
For West Virginia, this game continued a troubling trend observed throughout the Charleston Classic. The Mountaineers, who had previously prided themselves on a strong defensive presence, ranked fourth in the country for points allowed prior to the tournament. However, they faced challenges on the road, with both Xavier and Clemson surpassing 40% shooting against them.
In the previous matchup against Clemson, the Mountaineers lost by a narrow margin of 70-67, struggling to contain their opponents’ inside game. Against Xavier, the Musketeers displayed a balanced attack, with Milicevic scoring 21 points and Carroll contributing 17 points. Overall, Xavier shot 45.5% from the field, a stark contrast to West Virginia’s defensive standards.
Despite having a physical advantage inside, the Mountaineers could not capitalize on their opportunities. They managed a 13-2 advantage in second-chance points, but key players like Harlan Obioha were limited, scoring just three points and grabbing two rebounds. “We had a physical advantage, but we weren’t able to establish that,” Hodge said, expressing disappointment in the missed opportunities.
On a positive note for the Mountaineers, Trey Eaglestaff broke out of a scoring slump, finishing with a season-high 20 points, despite struggling from three-point range. He exhibited aggressiveness on drives to the basket, complementing his scoring with five rebounds and four assists. Additionally, Honor Huff added 16 points, all of which came in the second half, while Brenen Lorient contributed 11 points.
West Virginia will now have a week off before returning to action on December 10, 2023, against Mercyhurst at the Hope Coliseum. With several lessons learned from the Charleston Classic, the Mountaineers will look to regroup and regain their early-season momentum.
