West Virginia never held a lead on Wednesday night, as TCU beat the Mountaineers, 93-81 at the WVU Coliseum, closing WVU’s home slate for the 2023-2024 regular season.
West Virginia interim head coach Josh Eilert spoke about it being senior day, his team’s early struggles, as well as Jesse Edwards’ historic performance.
Another Slow Start
Slow starts have been a problem for WVU and they were once again for the Mountaineers. They trailed by as many as 23 in the first half and never recovered.
“Too little too late. It’s hard when you start a game like that to put yourself in a position to win. We saw that type of start against Kansas State on the road, and we were fortunate enough to make a lot of shots in Manhattan to get back. You dig yourself a 23-point hole early, and you don’t bring that energy early, and you have the distractions going on, they don’t come out with that motivation and will to win. It’s hard to coach effort and win,” Eilert said.
Senior Day
It was senior day and WVU honored six seniors prior to the game. Eilert said that he thinks some of the slow start had to do with the lack of routine from the changed pregame festivities.
“It just happens so fast. It was a quick eight months with them at this point. Jesse, I’ll never forget going over and seeing him play with his national team and getting to know him. RaeQuan (Battle), going to Washington and spending time with him on the reservation. Each of them, I’ve learned a lot from them, they’ve learned a lot from me. At the end of the day, our record is going to say we’re a failure, but we continue to battle and try to represent the state and these people the best way possible.”
Jesse Edwards
Jesse Edwards had a historic performance on Wednesday, finishing with 36 points and 13 rebounds, the first time anyone has reached those numbers since Rod Thorn in 1962.
“He was special tonight,” Eilert said.
Edwards shot 15-for-19 from the field, but the free throw line was not his friend, as he went 6-for-18 from the line.
“I’ve been challenging him each and every day and that’s gonna, you know, his physicality and his balance has to continue to improve, especially to get to the next level and compete at the next level. He had that will and that desire tonight, he had that physicality to him,” Eilert said.
