Opinion
What Does WVU Basketball Need to Do to Win the Backyard Brawl?
WVU Basketball will see its first major test on Thursday night, as the Pitt Panthers will come to Morgantown for the annual Backyard Brawl.
The Mountaineers are 3-0, most recently topping Lehigh 69-47.
Three-Point Shooting
It feels too obvious to say WVU needs to make three-point shots in order to have success, but that especially rings true against Pitt.
The Panthers are shooting a combined 36.9% from beyond the arc so far this season while scoring 76.7 points per game. However, Pitt may see its second consecutive game without its leading scorer, sophomore guard Brandin Cummings.
Cummings missed Pitt’s win over Eastern Michigan and averages 18.5 points per game in his two appearances this season. He is day-to-day after rolling his ankle in practice and was only ruled out of Pitt’s last game less than an hour before tip-off.
WVU’s Brenen Lorient drives with the ball against Lehigh early in the 2025-26 season. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)
Assuming Cummings is good to go, he will add extreme offensive firepower to Pitt that WVU will have to match.
The Backyard Brawl poses an opportunity for a breakout game from one of WVU’s heavy hitters on offense. Will senior forward Brenen Lorient continue to showcase his improved three-point shooting? Will senior guard Honor Huff find his rhythm from deep? WIl senior guard Treysen Eaglestaff win over WVU fans with his first big performance as a Mountaineer? Only Thursday’s game will tell.
Rebounding
WVU has lost the rebounding battle in two of its three games so far. While the Mountaineers are 3-0, it’s important they control the boards against Pitt.
Pitt’s lineup showcases senior forward Cameron Corhen, who averages 15.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. Him combined with Papa Amadou Kante makes for a dangerous pair of 6-foot-10 forwards in Pitt’s front court.
Lorient and senior center Harlan Obioha have led the rebounding charge with 9.7 and 5.3 rebounds per game, respectively. Limiting second chance points and creating transition opportunities will be crucial for WVU.
Take the Free Points
Free throw struggles are a concept WVU basketball fans are all too familiar with. On the other side, Pitt has not excelled from the line either.
The Panthers have shot just 68.2% from the free throw line, barely surpassing WVU’s percentage of 67.8%.
When facing a team that averages just over 16 fouls per game, WVU it will be key for the Mountaineers to tak advantage of free throw opportunities.
Thursday’s contest will be at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Hope Coliseum.
Find more coverage of WVU basketball at WV Sports Now.
