Takeaways: WVU Basketball Trounces Pitt in Backyard Brawl

WVU Basketball is 4-0 for the first time since 2022 with a 71-49 win over Pitt in the Backyard Brawl Thursday.

As WVU passed its first major test against a Power Four opponent, here is what stood out from the win.

Post Dominance

WVU enforced its will in the post Thursday, scoring 32 points in the paint. senior center Harlan Obioha was the star of the show, scoring a team-high 19 points and leading in rebounds with six.

The Mountaineers were simply more physical in the paint, winning the rebounding battle 34-31. Counting Obioha, four Mountaineers finished with five or more rebounds.

All three forwards who played valuable minutes Thursday stepped up, especially freshman forward DJ Thomas.

DJ Thomas Continues to Step Up

Thomas has shown flashes to start his freshman season, but he made multiple crucial plays for WVU in the Backyard Brawl while playing his season-high in minutes.

Thomas tallied 10 points and five boards while going 2-5 from three-point range. He made the team’s first three-pointer of the night to put WVU up 10-6.

Head coach Ross Hodge praised Thomas in the postgame press conference, highlighting his and freshman guard Amir Jenkins’ maturity.

“He really settled in, made some good plays and, and him and Amir both, we have a very mature team, but for freshmen, again they’re as poised and mature freshmen as you can come across,” Hodge said.

So far this season, Thomas has averaged 7.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

Defense to Offense

Hodge’s defensive philosophy was on full display, as WVU forced 12 turnovers and scored 21 points off them.

In particular on defense, WVU limited Pitt’s leading scorer in sophomore guard Brandin Cummings. He came into the Backyard Brawl averaging 18.5 points per game and was held to just seven on 3-13 shooting.

Inversely, WVU took care of the ball and only committed six turnovers.

WVU basketball will take the court again at 7 p.m. Monday when it hosts Lafayette.

Find more coverage of WVU basketball at WV Sports Now.