In a highly anticipated debut for head coach Darian DeVries, the West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineers opened their season with a commanding 85-60 victory over Robert Morris. The win not only marked a successful start for DeVries but also showcased the team’s potential for the season ahead, demonstrating both offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity. For a program looking to reestablish itself as a force in college basketball, this victory was a statement of progress under new leadership.
Coach DeVries, who took over the Mountaineers’ program after a successful stint at Drake University, was tasked with revitalizing a squad that had faced some challenges in recent years. Known for his ability to build competitive teams and maximize player potential, DeVries was eager to get his tenure off to a strong start. His team did not disappoint, coming out of the gates with an impressive performance that set the tone for the rest of the game.
From the opening tip, WVU showed an aggressive and fast-paced style of play that was characteristic of DeVries’ coaching philosophy. The Mountaineers attacked the basket with vigor and shared the ball effectively, moving it around the perimeter to find open looks. One of the standout performances came from sophomore guard Jalen Bridges, who was a key offensive weapon throughout the game. Bridges, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his early career at WVU, looked much more comfortable in DeVries’ system, scoring a team-high 18 points while also contributing with rebounds and assists.
Another key factor in the Mountaineers’ win was the balanced scoring attack. Several players stepped up, ensuring that the team’s offensive flow never stagnated. Junior forward Gabe Osabuohien added 12 points and 8 rebounds, while senior guard Taz Sherman showcased his veteran leadership with 14 points, including a couple of crucial three-pointers that helped maintain the Mountaineers’ lead. The depth of the squad was evident as DeVries rotated players in and out, ensuring fresh legs throughout the game, which kept Robert Morris on the defensive.
Defensively, the Mountaineers were stifling, limiting Robert Morris to just 60 points and forcing 18 turnovers. WVU’s full-court pressure and disciplined man-to-man defense proved to be too much for the Colonials to handle. The Mountaineers were relentless, applying pressure from the moment Robert Morris crossed half-court, which resulted in several fast-break opportunities. The defensive intensity set the stage for a dominating second half, where WVU stretched its lead to over 20 points.
For Robert Morris, the game was a tough test against a team with much more depth and athleticism. The Colonials struggled to find consistent scoring, with forward Kahlil Spear being their primary contributor, finishing with 16 points. However, they were unable to mount any significant offensive runs, especially as WVU’s defense wore them down over the course of the game.
Overall, the win was a solid start for Coach Darian DeVries and his Mountaineers. It demonstrated that WVU has the talent and coaching to make noise in the Big 12, with a team that is capable of both scoring efficiently and defending at a high level. DeVries’ ability to establish an up-tempo, ball-sharing offense while maintaining a stingy defense bodes well for the program’s future. As the Mountaineers move forward in their season, this win will serve as a confidence booster for both the players and their new coach, who looks primed to lead WVU into a new era of success.
