The Darian DeVries era of WVU men’s basketball is officially underway. On Monday, November 4th the college basketball season tipped off as WVU hosted Robert Morris of the Horizon Conference.
West Virginia looked sharp from the opening tip, getting out to a 21-0 lead and one that swelled to a 30-2 contest eight minutes into the game. Tucker DeVries scored the first 8 points of the game rather quickly with two three-point baskets and a steal leading to a fast break dunk. From there, RMU never had a chance as the Mountaineers cruised to a 87-59 win.
While it was opening night against a lesser opponent, the blowout win feels good for all parties involved in the West Virginia men's basketball program. Whether that be Athletic Director Wren Baker, Darian DeVries, the new coaching staff, the almost entirely new roster, or the passionate fanbase that is eager to see the program return to being a force among the best of the Big 12, this win was needed.
Notable Performers
- Tucker DeVries - 18 points | 6-13 FG | 4-9 3PT | 4 rebounds | 2 steals |
- Javon Small - 15 points | 6-11 FG | 3-6 3PT | 5 assists
- Amani Hansberry - 9 points |12 rebounds
- Toby Okani - 13 points
- Jonathan Powell - 11 points
- KJ Tenner - 10 points
Next Up
West Virginia will be back on the Coliseum floor on Friday night when they play host to the UMass Minutemen at 7pm on ESPN+. UMass is coming off of an opening night win over New Hampshire by a score of 103-74. Rahsool Diggins scored 26 points in the win -- he also poured in 15 points last season when UMass secured a 87-79 win over the Mountaineers last season.