WVU Basketball

5 Things to Know Before WVU vs. Texas

Published

3 months ago

February 10, 2024

Kelsie LeRose / WVSN

WVU Basketball travels this weekend for a two-game road trip starting at Texas. Let’s take a look at five things to know before Saturday’s game.

First Matchup: WVU Defended Home Court

On Jan. 13, West Virginia was able to defend home court versus then-ranked No. 25 Texas. At the time, this gave WVU their best win of the season and it came without big man Jesse Edwards, who was recovering from his wrist injury.

WVU interim HC Josh Eilert mentioned that his team has to play better offensively and that they have the chance now with Edwards back in the lineup. Eilert also gave credit to Texas G Chendall Weaver, who has emerged as Texas’ glue guy through Big 12 play.

Texas has started 4-6 in conference play but does have enough quality wins to keep them in the NCAA Tournament talks.

Akok Expected to Return

Eilert met with the media on Thursday morning, providing a positive update on WVU F Akok Akok. Akok missed West Virginia’s last game vs. BYU due to medical reasons.

“He’s a full go ever since Saturday. Starting on Tuesday we had no issues, he was with us in practice,” Eilert said. “We’re in a good spot with him right now.”

Since Saturday, Eilert has anticipated Akok wouldn’t miss any further games. It is still unknown exactly why Akok missed the BYU game and Eilert wouldn’t get into the extent or if it was related to his previous issue from the beginning of the season.

“I can’t get into the specifics,” Eilert said on Saturday night. “It had nothing to do with him personally or my decision whatsoever.”

“I don’t want to get into that. Not my place,” Eilert added.

WVU 2-20 in Last 22 Conference Road Games

Since the 2021-22 season, West Virginia is 2-20 in their last 22 Big 12 road games. The Mountaineers’ only wins come from last season when the team defeated Texas Tech and Iowa State on their campuses.