West Virginia coach Ross Hodge reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, in Morgantown, W.Va. (AP Photo/Kathleen Batten)
MORGANTOWN — In a notable upset, the West Virginia Mountaineers defeated the No. 22 Kansas Jayhawks 86-75 on March 2, 2024, marking a significant first victory for head coach Ross Hodge in his inaugural season. The win was particularly impactful against the Jayhawks, led by veteran coach Bill Self, who expressed admiration for Hodge’s strategic execution during the game.
Hodge’s Early Challenges and Breakthrough
West Virginia’s basketball program has seen a rapid turnover in coaching staff, with Hodge becoming the third head coach in as many seasons. His early tenure included a series of disappointing performances against teams like Ohio State and Xavier, which raised questions about the Mountaineers’ direction. Yet, Hodge’s leadership shone through as his team managed to secure a crucial victory against a ranked opponent.
Self acknowledged the effectiveness of Hodge’s game plan, noting, “He got them three lay-ups coming out of timeouts. To be honest, we walked over every one of them. Their offensive execution was a hell of a lot better than our defensive execution.” This statement highlights Hodge’s ability to adapt and teach his players, showcasing a promising beginning to his coaching career.
The victory came at a pivotal moment, as Hodge faced criticism for prior performances, including a narrow defeat against Ohio State and a particularly tough game against Xavier. Despite these setbacks, the Mountaineers managed a commendable win against rival Pitt earlier in the season, though the Panthers have struggled significantly this year.
Team Resilience and Player Contributions
During the game against Kansas, West Virginia demonstrated resilience, overcoming the absence of starting point guard Jasper Floyd, who was sidelined due to foul trouble. The team’s performance was bolstered by Trey Eaglestaff, who made critical three-pointers at crucial moments to help regain momentum.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Hodge noted, “It’s a combination of belief, which I think this group has always had, but then you actually have to go and do it.” His approach emphasizes learning from previous losses and fostering a strong team culture that prioritizes collective success over individual accolades.
Despite facing a Kansas team that featured future NBA talent like Darryn Peterson, who scored 23 points, West Virginia maintained focus and composure. The Mountaineers trailed at one point but rallied to take control of the game, demonstrating growth and determination.
As Hodge leads his team through the remainder of the season, including six upcoming games against ranked opponents, his approach remains anchored in player development and team spirit. He emphasized the importance of learning from past experiences and instilling confidence in his players, saying, “We’re still going to win this game… we’re all going to be very disappointed with how we executed defensively up to this point.”
In contrast, Self candidly addressed his team’s recent struggles, stating, “We suck right now. But, it’s right now. Everybody goes through ebbs and flows through the season.” His comments reflect the challenges faced by the Jayhawks, who now look to regroup as they enter the latter part of the season.
This victory not only serves as a significant milestone for Hodge but also as a testament to the potential of the West Virginia program moving forward. With the support of his players and a renewed sense of belief, Hodge has set the stage for what could be an exciting conclusion to the season.
