West Virginia Faces Tough Test Against No. 2 Iowa State in Sold-Out Showdown

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Mountaineers will face their toughest challenge of the season Saturday when they host No. 2 Iowa State at the sold-out WVU Coliseum. The game, set for 5 p.m. and broadcast on ESPN+, pits the Mountaineers against a Cyclones team that has emerged as a legitimate national championship contender.

Iowa State (15-1, 5-0 Big 12) enters the matchup riding a 12-game winning streak, their only loss coming in a two-point defeat to No. 1 Auburn earlier in the season. The Cyclones have already notched victories over ranked opponents such as Kansas, Baylor, and Texas Tech, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the court. They lead the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 85.4 points per game, while also ranking among the conference’s top defensive teams, allowing just 65.3 points per game.

“They’re championship-level good,” West Virginia head coach Darian DeVries said of Iowa State. “When they get in the tournament, they have a chance to win it all.”

The Cyclones boast a balanced offensive attack, with five players averaging double-digit scoring. Guard Curtis Jones leads the way with 17.8 points per game, while Keshon Gilbert (15.5 points) and Joshua Jefferson (11.9 points, 8.2 rebounds) provide additional firepower. However, Iowa State will be without forward Milan Momcilovic, who is sidelined indefinitely with a hand injury. Momcilovic, averaging 10.3 points, was a key contributor before his injury.

West Virginia (12-4, 3-2 Big 12) will rely on conference scoring leader Javon Small, who averages 19.4 points per game. Small was limited to 13 points in the Mountaineers’ recent 70-54 loss to No. 10 Houston, but DeVries remains confident in his star guard’s ability to handle defensive pressure. “Javon is going to see two guys a lot anytime he’s in a ball screen,” DeVries said. “Iowa State is very good defensively, and they’re certainly going to challenge everything from him.”

One bright spot for West Virginia in the Houston loss was the resurgence of forward Amani Hansberry, who scored 16 second-half points after a slow start. Hansberry, averaging 10.1 points, is the team’s second-leading scorer among healthy players. The Mountaineers continue to miss forward Tucker DeVries, who has been sidelined for eight games due to injury.

Saturday’s game will also honor the legacy of West Virginia basketball legend Jerry West, who passed away in June 2024. The Mountaineers will wear throwback uniforms inspired by West’s era, and members of the West family are expected to attend. The game was announced as a sellout on Jan. 9, and DeVries is eager to see the impact of the home crowd. “The Coliseum is really highly thought of across the basketball world,” he said. “I’m really excited to feel that energy.”

West Virginia has historically fared well at home against Iowa State, winning eight straight and nine of their last 11 matchups in Morgantown. However, the Cyclones’ combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess presents a formidable challenge. “If they’re not the best, they’re one of the best and most balanced teams out there,” DeVries said. “You can’t take away everything, so you have to pick something and have a plan B as well.”