WVU basketball just can't seem to catch a break. Or close out a late-game lead for that matter.
The Mountaineers traveled to Cleveland on Saturday night for a non-conference, Power 5 showdown with Ohio State on a neutral-court, and had the lead by 16 points during the game. But for the second time this season, the Mountaineers blew a double-digit lead to a Power 5 opponent, and ended up losing a thrilling double-overtime battle with the Buckeyes.
The loss is a tough one to swallow for the Mountaineers and fans of the program, as WVU now moves to 1-4 against Power 5 competition in non-conference play this season, and will soon enter Big 12 play with a lackluster postseason resume that will be tough to outplay, and no indication the team can compete at that level and pull out a win.
Sure, there was lots to like on Saturday, but there were also concerning coaching decisions and the ultimate problem this team has been searching for a solution to over the past four weeks feels no closer to being solved. After a disappointing end to last year's season that saw an NCAA Tournament snub and the sitting head coach skip town after one year on the job, fans were hoping for something to cheer for this winter, and so far it's not clear that will be what they end up receiving.
And it was clear that was the case as the fanbase reacted to another disappointing loss. There was mixture of anger, frustration, and resignation to a tough year among Mountaineer Nation on social media after the game. Some fans called for head coach Ross Hodge's job, which we won't share here tonight – that might be too hot of a take for us. But the frustration is real, and it is deserved at this point. Check out the reactions to the loss below, and pray that the Mountaineers find answers to their struggles as Big 12 play starts up soon.
— john flowers (@jflow41) December 14, 2025
It's nights like tonight where Ross Hodge's youth and P4 inexperience show. These are the predictable growing pains expected with a move up, and I have full faith that he will learn, grow, and figure it out. It's going to hurt in the meantime though. #WVU
— Mountain Mama Living (@MountMamaLiving) December 14, 2025
First time I’ve legitimately been pissed about Ross. I get it’s year one, but you don’t blow double digit leads in games you need to win. Figure it out.
— Overtime McBee (@OvertimeMcBee) December 14, 2025
This team doesn’t have it….2 blown leads already this season. No signature win in non conference.
— Jerry West Enthusiast (@Eersfanatic) December 14, 2025
Onto B12 play.
You're not going to beat Ohio State in Cleveland with the refs on their payroll. But with that said, Ross Hodge needs to learn how to play with a lead, or his time in Morgantown won't last long.
— WV Sports Talk (@SportsTalk_304) December 14, 2025
Saying you’re out on Hodge after 1 year, especially when we have a 5 star loaded in the chamber, is dumb. But my lord this game was on him.
— The Coal Country Podcast (@coalcountrywvu) December 14, 2025
I know WVU played their asses off, especially Huff, but that’s an unacceptable loss. Blowing a 16-point lead to a team that lost to a team you blew out when you desperately needed a quality win just can’t happen. WVU has now blown multiple games to major competition, too.
— Mike J. Asti (@MikeAsti11) December 14, 2025
This team will be lucky to win 5 games in the Big 12. Ohio State even exposed us defensively.
— Couz's Corner (@CouzWalker) December 14, 2025
We fade late and try to just hang on. A defensive team should have the advantage with a second half lead. Might have to play more players to allow us to keep the same intensity all game.
— WVU Sports Guy (@WVUSPORTSGUY) December 14, 2025
Dude I’m not even gonna lie, that was terrible coaching.
— Not Rasul Douglas (@RasulBurner) December 14, 2025
Terrible coaching lost us that game.
In our 4 losses WVU has been outscored a combined total of 37 points in the second half.
— Blue and Gold Nation (@hailwv5) December 14, 2025
Lost to a team who shot 19 percent from three
— WVU Barstool (@WVUBarstool) December 14, 2025
That happens when one of your top paid athletes shoots 11 percent
Sucks