Ross Hodge Answers How WVU Basketball Can Win if Cold Shooting

Ross Hodge’s WVU basketball team has been trading off wins and losses lately, while consistently struggling in one particular category: three-point shooting.

Over the past five games, WVU has shot just 24.1% (26-108) from three, with the most recent outing being a very poor 2-22 from range in a 70-63 loss to Texas Tech. The list time WVU made double digit threes in a game was Jan. 21 in a 75-63 win against Arizona State.

Hodge has preached individual accountability to the players, which includes  making open shots and working for offensive rebounds. While other strategies can help on off shooting days, Hodge says accountability stands out.

“You can maybe send more people to the offensive glass. You can make a decision to send every, all five players to go rebound instead of maybe getting some of your guards back again. You can try your best to manipulate some of the spacing components of where help is being offered from,” Hodge said in a press conference on Thursday.

“Like we’ve talked about a lot on here, there has to be individual accountability from the players as well.”

WVU head coach Ross Hodge with his team during a huddle in a game against Baylor. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

To Hodge, accountability looks like taking advantage of open shots, but being ready to rebound the miss, as failing to secure extra possessions on poor shooting nights will not lead to success.

“When you have opportunities to step into these situations where you’re open or you’re at the foul line, you gotta convert,” added Hodge. “And if we’re not converting, then we gotta go rebound it. I mean, those are your options. There’s not a lot of other options.”

WVU guard Honor Huff takes a long range shot against Baylor during the 2025-26 season. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

After WVU lost to Texas Tech on Sunday, Hodge mentioned extra effort plays like securing loose balls. Urgency and consistency are two areas he thinks plays into the all-around, as he says accountability is not an issue with this year’s Mountaineers.

“I think it’s the urgency and the consistency, not letting your offense dictate your defense. And oh, by the way, when you get opportunities to step up and make an offensive play, and that’s what I love about our team, they ain’t pointing the finger, nobody’s pointing the finger at anybody,” Hodge said.

WVU will take the court again when they visit UCF at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Find more coverage of WVU basketball at WV Sports Now.