BYU and West Virginia Basketball Face Off in Crucial Big 12 Matchup

SALT LAKE CITY – The BYU Cougars (15-8, 6-6 Big 12) will face the West Virginia Mountaineers (15-8, 6-6 Big 12) on Tuesday, February 11, at WVU Coliseum in Morgantown. This game marks the fourth all-time meeting between the two teams, with BYU leading the series 2-1.

Both teams enter this critical matchup with similar records, looking to break a tie in the standings. BYU is currently on a two-game losing streak and hopes to regain momentum, while West Virginia is aiming for a perfect 2-0 record during its homestand.

Last season, BYU claimed victory against West Virginia for the first time as Big 12 rivals, winning 86-73 in Morgantown. This matchup features two first-year head coaches, Kevin Young for BYU and Darian DeVries for West Virginia, each seeking to solidify their teams’ performances as the regular season nears its conclusion.

“We need to focus on our correction points from last game and come out strong,” Young said in a press conference. “West Virginia plays tough at home, and we’ll need to match their intensity from the tip-off.”

Both teams are averaging over 69 points per game, with BYU’s scoring offense standing at 80.0 points per game, compared to West Virginia’s 69.4. However, BYU’s defense has allowed 69.2 points per game, creating an opportunity for West Virginia’s leading scorer, Javon Small, who averages 18.9 points per game and was recognized as a Midseason Second Team All-American.

West Virginia boasts a strong home record of 10-3 this season and is currently ranked No. 38 in the NCAA NET rankings. The Mountaineers have a significant edge in defensive capabilities, allowing just 63.6 points per game and ranking 10th nationally in 3-point shooting defense (28.8 percent).

“It’s going to be a battle,” DeVries noted. “If we can impose our defensive strategy, we’re confident in our ability to contain their scoring threats.”

The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, with play-by-play commentator Tom McCarthy and analyst Chris Walker providing coverage. Pregame show coverage begins at 4 p.m. MST / 6 p.m. EST, leading up to the tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.

Fans can also tune in via radio on KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM) for live coverage of the game. The matchup represents an important moment for both teams as they vie for a better position in the Big 12 standings.