In a hard-fought battle that went into overtime, West Virginia University fell to Oklahoma State, 91-84, on Tuesday night. Head Coach Ross Hodge shared his insights on the game, shedding light on both the challenges and standout performances.
Reflecting on the first half, Hodge was candid about the defensive struggles. "We played one of our poorest defensive halves," he noted.
Oklahoma State, known for their fast-paced and confident offense, found their rhythm early on, partly due to Jasper Floyd's foul troubles. "It was too easy for them," Hodge admitted, though he praised his team's improved defensive effort in the second half, crediting their increased physicality and point-of-attack defense for getting them back into the contest.
Despite their efforts, Oklahoma State managed to drain some impressive long-range shots, keeping the pressure on.
When it came to overtime, execution was the key difference. Hodge acknowledged, "They were able to execute better than us down the stretch." While WVU managed to get the ball where they wanted, converting those opportunities proved elusive, unlike their opponents.
Chance Moore's performance stood out, with Hodge highlighting his aggressive play. "He got downhill, was physical, and drove the ball with force," Hodge said, noting Moore's impressive six offensive rebounds as a testament to his effort on the court.
Other players also made significant contributions. Honor Huff and Treysen Eaglestaff hit crucial shots, while Brenen Lorient showed marked improvement in the second half. "Offensively, we executed really well and took care of the ball outside of overtime," Hodge remarked, emphasizing the quality of the looks they created.
Despite the loss, Hodge's analysis paints a picture of a team that, while facing challenges, demonstrated resilience and moments of excellence. As they move forward, these insights will be crucial in refining their strategy and execution.