WVU Basketball Grinds Out Another Comeback Victory

Head coach Ross Hodge praises his team's resilience after overcoming a double-digit deficit against UCF.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The West Virginia University basketball team secured a 74-67 comeback victory over the University of Central Florida on Saturday. After falling behind by double digits, the Mountaineers rallied in the second half, going on a 15-2 run to tie the game and eventually pull ahead for the win. Head coach Ross Hodge highlighted his team's defensive effort and ability to limit UCF's second-chance points as key factors in the comeback.

Why it matters

WVU's ability to overcome deficits and grind out tough wins on the road demonstrates the team's resilience and mental toughness, which will be crucial as they continue their conference play and push for a postseason berth.

The details

The Mountaineers fell behind early but were able to chip away at UCF's lead after the under-12 media timeout in the second half. Coach Hodge praised his team's defensive intensity and focus on limiting second-chance points during that stretch, which allowed them to go on a 15-2 run and eventually tie the game. Senior guard Jasper Floyd hit a key three-pointer to knot the score, and the Mountaineers were able to maintain their momentum to secure the victory.

  • The Mountaineers overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half.
  • WVU went on a 15-2 run after the under-12 media timeout to tie the game.
  • Jasper Floyd hit a three-pointer to tie the game for the Mountaineers.

The players

Ross Hodge

The head coach of the West Virginia University basketball team.

Jasper Floyd

A senior guard for the West Virginia University basketball team who hit a key three-pointer to tie the game against UCF.

Themus Fulks

A fifth-year guard for the University of Central Florida who averages 13.3 points per game and posed a challenge for the Mountaineers' defense.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to have to play with a lot more urgency on the defensive end of the floor. This group's been in these positions before and typically we do a good job of not panicking.”

— Ross Hodge, Head Coach (wvsportsnow.com)

“Lorient made some really tough, physical plays around the basket and then we were able to get some stops and then Honor on the four-point play and then he kind of starts to get going a little bit. And then, you're mirroring it with getting stops and we're getting baskets and we're giving them one shot only... In that stretch, we were able to stop them and grab the rebounds.”

— Ross Hodge, Head Coach (wvsportsnow.com)

“He's been as impactful for his team as any player in our league... But his impact on this team and his ability to control and manage a game and then even some of those shots he made down the stretch, those were really difficult shots that we defended great, and so it's really got to be a team effort to guard a player like that.”

— Ross Hodge, Head Coach (wvsportsnow.com)

“The thing I really appreciate about our guys, they allow me to coach them and direct. They allow me to be brutally honest. They may not like what comes out of my mouth, but they know it's the truth and to make them better.”

— Ross Hodge, Head Coach (wvsportsnow.com)

What’s next

WVU will take the court again at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday when the team takes on Utah.

The takeaway

WVU's ability to overcome deficits and grind out tough wins on the road demonstrates the team's resilience and mental toughness, which will be crucial as they continue their conference play and push for a postseason berth.