In a closely contested matchup, WVU fell to TCU, 60-54, bringing their season record to 16-11 (7-7). Head coach Ross Hodge shared his insights on the game, shedding light on the challenges his team faced.
Opening Thoughts: Coach Hodge reflected on a game where both teams were battling to assert dominance. He noted that neither side played their best, but each deserved credit for disrupting the other's rhythm. TCU managed to impose their style of play over the full 40 minutes, and WVU struggled with turnovers, giving up the ball 16 times on the road.
Rebounding Challenges: Rebounding was a significant factor, with TCU capitalizing on their size advantage, especially when Harlan Obioha was off the court. While Chance Moore contributed on the boards, there were crucial moments where WVU couldn't secure loose balls, leading to missed opportunities.
Shooting Struggles: TCU's length and defensive strategy made shooting difficult for WVU. Their ability to alter shots and apply double teams in the post created challenges. Coach Hodge emphasized the need for someone to step up and make a physical play to counteract TCU's defensive tactics.
Late-Game Offense: WVU found themselves up by six but faltered offensively in the closing stages. With 10 offensive possessions late in the game, they turned the ball over four times.
Although Honor Huff hit some tough shots to keep them in it, the offense became stagnant. The ball movement was lateral rather than attacking, and Coach Hodge acknowledged the need for better execution and decision-making in crunch time.
Defensive Effort: Despite the loss, Coach Hodge praised his team's hustle, particularly their ability to turn negative offensive plays into high-energy defensive efforts. However, he pointed out that while effort was commendable, the execution needed to match that intensity, something that fell short in this game.
Overall, Coach Hodge's analysis highlighted key areas for improvement, focusing on reducing turnovers, enhancing rebounding efforts, and executing more effectively in critical moments. As WVU looks to bounce back, these insights will be crucial in their preparation for upcoming games.