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West Virginia Mountaineers Fall to Oklahoma State in Overtime
Head coach Ross Hodge discusses the team's defensive struggles and Phil Forte's impact as an assistant coach.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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The West Virginia Mountaineers suffered their third straight loss, falling to the Oklahoma State Cowboys 91-84 in overtime on Tuesday night. WVU head coach Ross Hodge met with the media after the game, discussing the team's poor defensive effort in the first half, their improved defense in the second half, and the impact of assistant coach Phil Forte.
Why it matters
The Mountaineers' recent slide has put their postseason hopes in jeopardy, and Hodge's comments provide insight into the team's struggles and their efforts to turn things around. Forte's reputation as a rising coaching star also adds an interesting angle to the story.
The details
The Mountaineers allowed 46 points in the first half, which Hodge said was the most they've given up in an opening frame this season. He felt the team didn't have the necessary defensive intensity early on, allowing Oklahoma State to get comfortable and establish a rhythm. Foul trouble for Jasper Floyd also hurt WVU's defense in the first half. In the second half, the Mountaineers were able to turn the tide defensively by doing a better job of guarding the ball and slowing down the Cowboys' pace.
- The game took place on Tuesday night in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
- The Mountaineers will host BYU on Saturday, February 29th at 5:30 p.m. ET.
The players
Ross Hodge
The head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team.
Jasper Floyd
A player for the West Virginia Mountaineers who got into foul trouble in the first half, which Hodge said hurt the team's defense.
Phil Forte
An assistant coach for the West Virginia Mountaineers, who Hodge praised for his work ethic and commitment, and said he will be a head coach sooner than later.
What they’re saying
“They responded when they had to. It would have been easier when we made the run and took the lead and got it into overtime, but they really responded and made the plays. In the first half, we just didn't have the level of defensive intensity necessary. They are a really good offensive team, and I felt like we let them get comfortable and get a rhythm going. We just didn't defend to our standard to win, and some of that was Jasper (Floyd) getting his second foul. That hurt us. In the second half, we were able to turn the tide defensively.”
— Ross Hodge, Head Coach (si.com)
“I thought we just did a better job of guarding the ball. I thought their speed and their pace early in the game had us on our heels. We were able to make some baskets, and it kind of got into that like you score, we score, and that's just not really the identity of our team. All of a sudden, we kind of stopped scoring, and they were able to continue that.”
— Ross Hodge, Head Coach (si.com)
“He was the first person I ever hired when I got the head coaching job at North Texas. I didn't know Phil. Typically, when you get these opportunities, you think in the back of your mind, you're going to go with somebody you know right away for your first hire. But I had some other people that had worked with Phil, and they raved about him, and then obviously growing up in Texas, and where I'm from, he's a legend there too. His work ethic and his commitment...everything that made him a great player has followed him into the coaching ranks. He'll definitely be a head coach sooner than later.”
— Ross Hodge, Head Coach (si.com)
What’s next
The Mountaineers will look to bounce back when they host BYU on Saturday, February 29th at 5:30 p.m. ET.
The takeaway
The Mountaineers' defensive struggles in the first half proved costly, as they were unable to overcome Oklahoma State despite a strong second-half effort. Hodge's comments highlight the team's need to play with more defensive intensity, while also praising the work of assistant coach Phil Forte, who is seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks.
