Ross Hodge Appreciative of Effort After WVU’s Latest Comeback Win

WVU basketball managed to grind out another second-half comeback victory on Saturday, securing a 74-67 win over UCF on the road.

The Mountaineers went down by double digits, but chipped into the lead after the under-12 media timeout.

“We’re going to have to play with a lot more urgency on the defensive end of the floor,” Hodge said in his postgame press conference. “This group’s been in these positions before and typically we do a good job of not panicking.”

After the timeout, the Mountaineers went on a 15-2 run and eventually tied the game with a three-pointer by senior guard Jasper Floyd. Hodge said preventing offensive rebounds by UCF was key during that stretch, as WVU only allowed nine offensive rebounds and eight second chance points Saturday.

“Lorient made some really tough, physical plays around the basket and then we were able to get some stops and then Honor on the four-point play and then he kind of starts to get going a little bit,” Hodge said. And then, you’re mirroring it with getting stops and we’re getting baskets and we’re giving them one shot only… In that stretch, we were able to stop them and grab the rebounds.”

UCF found its footing in the second half, largely because fifth-year guard Themus Fulks found his rhythm after being held scoreless in the first half. As a player who averages 13.3 points per game, Hodge emphasized limiting him as best as possible.

“He’s been as impactful for his team as any player in our league… But his impact on this team and his ability to control and manage a game and then even some of those shots he made down the stretch, those were really difficult shots that we defended great, and so it’s really got to be a team effort to guard a player like that,” Hodge said.

“The thing I really appreciate about our guys, they allow me to coach them and direct. They allow me to be brutally honest. They may not like what comes out of my mouth, but they know it’s the truth and to make them better,” added Hodge, clearly proud of his team’s “never say die” attitude.

WVU will take the court again at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday when the team takes on Utah.

Find more coverage of Ross Hodge and WVU basketball at WV Sports Now.