Sun Feb 02 19:00:00 UTC 2025: **West Virginia Mountaineers Seek to Snap Losing Streak Against Cincinnati**
CINCINNATI, OH – The West Virginia Mountaineers (13-7, 4-5 Big 12), riding high after a strong start to the season, are currently on a three-game losing skid and need a win to bolster their NCAA Tournament hopes. Their next opportunity comes Sunday at 2 p.m. against the Cincinnati Bearcats (12-8, 2-7 Big 12) in a game broadcast on ESPN+.
WVU’s recent struggles have been marked by defensive lapses and low scoring outputs, three of which ranked among their five lowest this season. Despite leading scorer Javon Small averaging 19.1 points per game in the Big 12, he’s been less effective during the losing streak. Head Coach Darian DeVries remains optimistic, highlighting the team’s improved second-half performance against No. 6 Houston, characterized by disruptive defense and efficient shooting.
Cincinnati, also experiencing a downturn after a promising start, enters the game desperate for a win. While four Bearcats average double-digit scoring, led by Simas Lukosius (12.2 ppg), their three-point shooting has been inconsistent. The historical matchup favors the Mountaineers slightly, with WVU holding a slight edge in the all-time series. Both teams recognize the importance of this game, with a victory crucial for maintaining their respective tournament aspirations.
First Piper 