Mountaineers Hold Their Ground in Morgantown, Outlast Texas Tech in Physical Big 12 Battle
On a cold February night in Morgantown, the West Virginia Mountaineers brought the heat inside Hope Coliseum, grinding out a hard-fought win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a classic Big 12 clash defined by physical play, defensive pressure, and timely execution.
From the opening tip, this one had the feel of a game that would be decided not just by talent, but by toughness. Both teams came out with intensity, and neither gave an inch without a fight. The Mountaineers, anchored by the presence of center Harlan Obioha, set the tone early with aggressive interior defense and a commitment to battling on the boards.
Obioha was a difference-maker all night. At 7-foot-1, he used every bit of his frame to protect the paint, alter shots, and make life difficult for Texas Tech’s forwards. Whether he was contesting shots at the rim or diving out of bounds to save a possession, Obioha’s energy was infectious - and it rippled through the rest of the Mountaineers roster.
Guard Jasper Floyd brought the fire on the perimeter, hounding Texas Tech’s ball-handlers and pushing the pace when West Virginia had opportunities in transition. His connection with Obioha was on full display in the second half, as the two combined on several momentum-swinging plays, including a key bucket in the lane that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.
Texas Tech, to their credit, didn’t back down. Christian Anderson was relentless on the offensive end, attacking the lane and showing his ability to create off the dribble.
He had moments where he looked like the most dynamic player on the floor, weaving through defenders and hitting tough shots in traffic. But the Red Raiders struggled to find consistent rhythm against West Virginia’s physical defense, especially in the second half when the game slowed down and every possession felt like a battle.
Lejuan Watts gave Texas Tech a spark in the frontcourt, fighting through contact and trying to assert himself inside. But he faced constant pressure from a Mountaineer defense that collapsed quickly and rotated with purpose. Brenen Lorient and Obioha made sure nothing came easy in the paint, and their presence forced the Red Raiders into a lot of contested mid-range looks - not exactly their bread and butter.
On the offensive side, West Virginia got contributions from across the board. Chance Moore showed poise handling the ball under pressure, and his ability to navigate the baseline and create space gave the Mountaineers another layer to their attack. Honor Huff played with composure, knocking down shots and making smart decisions in key moments.
By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Mountaineers had done just enough to hold off Texas Tech, defending their home floor with grit and togetherness. It wasn’t always pretty - this was a game full of scrappy possessions, hard fouls, and bodies on the floor - but it was the kind of win that matters in February. The kind that builds identity and confidence heading into the stretch run of conference play.
For West Virginia, this was a statement: they’re not going quietly in the Big 12. And for Texas Tech, it’s a reminder that in this league, every night is a war - and every possession counts.
Expect both teams to come out sharper next time. Because in the Big 12, there’s no such thing as an easy night.