Mountaineers Face Top-Ranked Team for 17th Time in School History Saturday
On Saturday, the West Virginia Mountaineers will take on the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats in a significant college basketball matchup. This will mark the 17th encounter for the Mountaineers against a No. 1 team in their history. The previous clash occurred on December 2, 2020, when West Virginia faced Gonzaga, losing the game 87-82.
Historical Context of Mountaineers vs. No. 1 Teams
West Virginia has successfully triumphed over a top-ranked team five times, with their most recent victory occurring on January 10, 2017, against Baylor. The Mountaineers won that game 89-68, setting a record for the largest margin of defeat for a top-ranked team at that time.
Current Season and Arizona’s Dominance
Arizona, which has held its No. 1 position since week six of this season, has secured notable victories against teams like Florida, UCLA, and Alabama. Within the Big 12, they have faced opponents such as Utah, Kansas State, and TCU, winning most of their games by a considerable margin. Only two of their league games—against Arizona State and UCF—ended with single-digit scores.
- Team Rankings: Arizona (No. 1), West Virginia (currently 13-6, 4-2 in Big 12)
- Last Meeting: Gonzaga on Dec. 2, 2020 (Loss 87-82)
- Previous Victory Against No. 1: Baylor on Jan. 10, 2017 (Win 89-68)
- Key Arizona Victories: Florida, UCLA, Auburn, Connecticut
Coaching Insights and Team Strategies
West Virginia head coach Ross Hodge discussed the challenges of competing in the Big 12. He emphasized the need to minimize scoring runs by the Wildcats. In his view, it is crucial for the Mountaineers to make defensive stops and limit Arizona to one shot per possession, particularly against a skilled Arizona offense.
A major focus will be on Arizona freshman forward Koa Peat, who stands at 6-foot-8 and weighs 235 pounds. Peat leads his team with an average of 14.6 points per game. Hodge noted his impressive combination of physicality and skill, which poses a significant threat to opposing defenses.
Key Players to Watch
- Koa Peat – Arizona’s leading scorer with 14.6 points per game
- Honor Huff – West Virginia’s top scorer with 16.6 points per game, currently ranked 70th in NCAA history with 362 career 3-pointers
- Treysen Eaglestaff – Contributed 23 points in the last game against Arizona State
The game is set to tip off at 2 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally on CBS. Local radio coverage will begin at 1 p.m. on the Mountaineer Sports Network. As excitement builds, the Mountaineers are ready to embrace the challenge of competing against the best in college basketball.
