West Virginia men are confronted with Utah looking for the season around – Marietta Times

Harris of Western Virginia Harris is trying to get around the screen during the men’s basketball match for the college against Arizona earlier this season in Morgantown. (AP photo)

Morgantown, W.VA. – It was as if the Wvu men’s basketball team suddenly became a turn of the coin within the large 12.

If the heads land, the mountaineers have the opportunity to overcome the likes of the State of Iowa and Kansas, as well as Arizona in a non -conference match.

These three schools make up 60% of the first five in the current League ranking.

If you land the tails, WVU also has a disappointing loss against Arizona in its resume.

Alpinists (14-8, 5-6 large 12) enter today’s game at 5:00 pm against Utah (13-9, 5-6) inside the Colosseum, losing four of their last five with three of these defeats coming against Teams that have a Big 12 Play Record Loss.

“Such losses can be humble” “ The ahead of Wvu Amani Hansbury said. “This brings you back to reality. I feel like a wake up to know that if we’re not disciplined for 40 minutes, then such things can happen. “

Merry is one way to put it. Unique may be another, as very few in the league would be shocked if Colorado-Currently 0-11 in the Big 12 Play-Develop several teams with the highest ranking by the end of the season.

“This makes the league fun playing because you have to wear it every night.” Hansberry continued. “Anyone can beat you in this league. Colorado is complex and they are 0-11. It takes very mentally because you have to wear it every night, but we registered for that. “

This game against UTES seems to be another kind of affair.

In his first season in the conference, Utah was elected to finish last in the Presor, but nevertheless Utes reached the middle of the package, taking care of the business against the teams at the bottom of the standings.

“For us we have to keep a narrow focus,” “ WVU chief coach Darian Devris said. “We have to play well for the 40 minutes that are right in front of us. When we did this, we were quite successful. When we show up, we came across the wrong end. This is a huge game against Utah and we have to play well. If we don’t, there is a pretty good chance of fighting. “

Harris status in question

WVU may be without Sencire Harris security services for today’s game.

“We’re not sure what his game’s availability will be,” “ said Devris.

Harris, the best defender of the climbers, collided with his teammate Toby Omki after a free ball in the second half of the loss on Wednesday against TCU and fell to the ground.

He limped from the floor and missed the final 7:52 of the game.

“It would certainly be great to have it available to finish this game.” said Devris. “He is our best ball protector, everyone knows this. Having it on the floor in these situations would be valuable, no doubt. “

Josh Eilert is back

Utah’s game celebrates Josh Eilert’s return, who spent last season as a temporary WVU chief coach after Bob Huggi’s forced resignation.

Ailert signed as an assistant with UTES after hiring Devries last March.

“Josh was great and really useful”, “ said Devris. “We sat down and met for a long time and he was incredibly useful in the transition. Everything I needed, he was certainly ready to help. I was happy for him to get another opportunity in Utah. “

Eilert spent 17 years in Morgantown, starting as a video coordinator under Huggins and working on his way to an assistant coach.

He was declared a temporary acting head coach in June 2023 after the school tried to find a full -time replacement for Huggi, but failed to do so.

“I think the thing is that you have many people to see and only a short period of time,” said Devris. “You’re here in just a few days. From this point of view, this makes it a unique trip. “

Redhead

Devris announced earlier this week that his son Tucker would have surgery on his wounded arm and miss the rest of the season.

“For him he wanted to be part of this group,” “ said Darian Devris. “In the end, the doctors could not reach this moment and did the surgery.

“Everything went well and that’s great. From his point of view, he is looking forward to returning and being healthy again in two or three months. “

The school will apply for a medical red shirt for Tucker with the big 12 after the season.

Darian Devris also confirmed that guard Jaden Stone, who has not yet played this season, will take a regular red shirt and can return next season.