Full Breakdown
West Virginia Mountaineers Hold Off Campbell Fighting Camels in Close Contest
11/7/2025, 1:40:30 PM
Game Overview: West Virginia vs. Campbell
The West Virginia Mountaineers secured a narrow 73-65 victory over the Campbell Fighting Camels on Thursday night at Hope Coliseum, improving their season record to 2-0. The game was characterized by a persistent challenge from Campbell, which kept the score close throughout. Despite leading for the entire game, West Virginia faced significant pressure, particularly in the closing minutes.
Key Performers
Senior guard Honor Huff was instrumental in the Mountaineers' win, scoring a game-high 23 points, including crucial three-pointers in the second half that helped maintain West Virginia's lead. Brenen Lorient also made a notable contribution with 12 points, nine rebounds, five blocks, and four assists, showcasing his defensive prowess and versatility. Additionally, Treysen Eaglestaff added 12 points, marking a significant improvement from his previous performance.
Statistical Highlights
West Virginia's shooting was relatively efficient, with a 74.1% success rate from the free-throw line. However, they struggled with rebounding, being out-rebounded by Campbell 40 to 36. The Camels capitalized on their free-throw opportunities, making 25 of 32 attempts, which helped offset their 35.2% shooting from the field. Campbell's Chris Fields Jr. led his team with 14 points, while Dovydas Butka contributed 12.
Coach's Insights
Head coach Ross Hodge acknowledged the pressure his team faced, stating, “We’ve played 80 minutes of basketball, and we’ve led for, like, 79 minutes. But, we’ve felt game pressure.” He emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in rebounding and defensive fouls, as Campbell's physical play forced West Virginia into frequent fouling situations. Hodge noted, “I wished we could have rebounded the ball a little better, but you've got to give them credit, they are big and physical.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the victory, concerns arose regarding West Virginia's ability to maintain a comfortable lead against a team like Campbell, which had struggled in previous seasons. Critics pointed out that the Mountaineers allowed the Camels to remain competitive, particularly in the second half, where Campbell reduced a once eight-point deficit to just four points with under two minutes remaining.
What's Next for West Virginia
The Mountaineers will look to build on their early-season success when they host the Lehigh Mountain Hawks on Sunday at 3 p.m. Lehigh is coming off a mixed start to their season, having lost to the second-ranked Houston before defeating Valley Forge. Coach Hodge and his team will aim to address their rebounding issues and improve their overall performance as they continue their season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Credit to them, they played really hard.” — Honor Huff, Senior Guard
- “I thought we defended well but statistically we just fouled too much, and that's what they do,” — Ross Hodge, Head Coach
- “All you have to do is look around the country and you’ll see (upsets).” — Ross Hodge, Head Coach
This close contest against Campbell serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for the Mountaineers as they navigate the early stages of the season.
