West Virginia Stunned by Last-Place Utah, 61-56

Mountaineers' NCAA Tournament hopes take a hit with home loss to struggling Utes

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In a surprising upset, the West Virginia Mountaineers fell to the Utah Utes, 61-56, at home on Wednesday night. Despite shooting better from the field, West Virginia struggled from the free-throw line and was outrebounded by the last-place Utes, who controlled the game from the opening minutes. The loss is a significant blow to the Mountaineers' NCAA Tournament hopes as they continue to search for consistency in head coach Ross Hodge's first season.

Why it matters

This loss is a major setback for West Virginia's NCAA Tournament aspirations, as the Mountaineers had little margin for error left in their quest to secure a bid. Dropping a home game to a struggling Utah squad that sits in the Big 12 basement could prove costly when the selection committee evaluates West Virginia's resume come March.

The details

West Virginia shot 42.3% from the field compared to Utah's 40.4%, but the Utes attempted more free throws (21-15) and grabbed 10 more rebounds. Utah led by as many as 15 points in the second half before West Virginia mounted a late comeback attempt that ultimately fell short. The Mountaineers were led in scoring by Honor Huff with 12 points, but he struggled shooting the ball, going 4-of-15 from the field and 4-of-13 from three-point range.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 19, 2026 in Morgantown, West Virginia.

The players

Honor Huff

A West Virginia player who scored 12 points in the loss, but shot just 4-of-15 from the field and 4-of-13 from three-point range.

Chance Moore

A West Virginia player who scored 12 points off the bench, but was unable to spark a comeback.

Brenen Lorient

A West Virginia player who scored 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in the losing effort.

Ross Hodge

The first-year head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, who took accountability for his team's slow start.

Utah Utes

The last-place team in the Big 12 conference that pulled off the surprising upset over West Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“The start is on me... we just weren't [ready to play].”

— Ross Hodge, Head Coach, West Virginia Mountaineers (The Voice Of Motown)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This loss is a major blow to West Virginia's NCAA Tournament hopes, as the Mountaineers can ill afford to drop home games to struggling conference foes. Head coach Ross Hodge will need to get his team refocused and playing with more consistency if they hope to secure a spot in the Big Dance come March.