Mountaineers Prioritize Passion Over Profit in CBC Clash with Stanford

Mo. Basuony

Published: April 2, 2026 7:59 PM ET

Mountaineers Prioritize Passion Over Profit in CBC Clash with Stanford

West Virginia closes its 2025-26 season with a single-elimination game Thursday night in Las Vegas. The Mountaineers face Stanford at 8 p.m. EST in the opening round of the College Basketball Crown at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Game details and context

WVU enters at 18-4 this season. Stanford arrives with a 20-12 record. The broadcast is on FS1.

This is the teams’ second meeting and the first in 67 years. The winner advances to face the winner of Rutgers and Creighton on Saturday at 4 p.m. EST.

CBC format and stakes

The College Basketball Crown is in its second year and trimmed the field to eight teams. The total prize pool remains $500,000.

Payouts include $50,000 for semifinalists, $100,000 for finalists and $300,000 for the champion. Big 12 tie-ins exist through a partnership with FOX.

Mountaineers’ mindset and recent form

WVU coach Ross Hodge is in his first year leading the program. He emphasized team focus and preparation during the extended break.

The Mountaineers have lost five of their last seven games. Their most recent outing was a 68-48 loss to BYU in the Big 12 Tournament three weeks ago.

Motivation beyond the money

Senior guard Honor Huff stressed the group wants to create lasting memories. The team has prioritized togetherness over financial incentives.

That approach underscores the idea of passion over profit as WVU readies for the CBC matchup with Stanford.

Availability and rotations

Freshman guard Amir Jenkins underwent the first of two planned labrum surgeries Wednesday. He will not travel to Las Vegas.

Also sidelined are freshman Jayden Forsythe and senior Jackson Fields, who last played on January 13. Expect Honor Huff to handle more point-guard minutes.

Morris Ugusuk is also slated for increased playing time with Jenkins out.

Stanford’s offensive focal point

Freshman guard Ebuka Okorie has emerged as Stanford’s primary scorer. The 6-foot-2 guard leads the Atlantic Coast Conference at 22.8 points per game.

Okorie has reached double digits in 28 of 30 games. He has scored at least 20 points in 18 contests this season.

WVU plans to focus defensive preparation on limiting his influence while accounting for his ability to create shots and involve teammates.

Bracket and other matchups

Winner of Stanford–WVU plays Rutgers–Creighton winner on Saturday at 4 p.m. EST.
Other opening-round games include Oklahoma vs. Colorado and Baylor vs. Minnesota.
Colorado and Baylor are among the tournament field this year.