Pittsburgh vs West Virginia: 2023-24 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

The Backyard Brawl is back in Morgantown, as Pittsburgh and West Virginia face off in a key matchup for both sides. Who gets back in the win column?

TV schedule: Wednesday, December 6th, 9:00 pm ET. ESPN2

Arena: WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia

Dating back to 2012 before a break in the series, West Virginia has won six straight games in the “Backward Brawl” rivalry series against Pittsburgh. That includes last year’s result, an 81-56 thumping in the Steel City. But the entire roster and head coach is gone from last season, as a new-look roster has had its ups and downs so far.

Without Kerr Kriisa (suspension), Akok Akok (injury), and RaeQuan Battle (denied transfer waiver), the Mountaineers enter this game with a 3-4 record, coming off a 79-73 loss to St. John’s. Syracuse transfer Jesse Edwards is putting up his expected double-double numbers at 15.7 ppg and 10.0 rpg but former Iona forward Quinn Slazinski has been the big star to date, leading WVU with 16.7 ppg.

But outside of Kobe Johnson, the Big 12 team doesn’t have any other double-digit scorers. They run a 7-man rotation and aren’t overly good on offense, ranking 340th nationally with 64.1 ppg. The defense, led by Edwards inside has been better than expected, keeping them in games against power conference opponents.

Pittsburgh (5-3, 0-1) has lost its last two games at home, including its ACC opener against Clemson. Blake Hinson, who leads the team with 20.5 ppg on the season, tied a career-high with 27 pts against Clemson. Rhode Island transfer Ishmael Leggett (15.1 ppg) has been good as an impact newcomer, while freshman guard Bub Carrington is producing 14.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, and 5.9 apg so far this season, though he’s struggled against power conference competition.

The individual matchup between Hinson and Slazinski at the power forward spot is key, while Edwards will have to deal with Panther center Federiko Federiko inside. The Mountaineers will need the Panthers‘ backcourt struggles to continue to have a shot but this is the first true road game for the young guards and that could come into play.

Ultimately, Pittsburgh needs a win in this rivalry, and this is the most vulnerable West Virginia roster they’ve had in a while. Looking to avoid a three-game skid, look for Hinson and Leggett to have a big enough game to pull out the win.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 70, West Virginia 66