- Morgantown, WV – West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Rich Rodriguez DeVries did not hide his frustration after his team’s disappointing second-half performance in their latest game. Despite a strong start, the Mountaineers struggled after halftime, allowing their opponents to seize control and secure a decisive victory.
DeVries praised his team’s energy and execution in the first half, where they built a promising lead. However, he was critical of their inability to maintain that momentum after the break. “We played the right way early on—good ball movement, solid defense, and aggressive play,” DeVries said. “But after halftime, we lost focus, made too many mistakes, and let the game slip away.”
The Mountaineers’ second-half struggles were marked by turnovers, missed opportunities, and defensive lapses. Their opponents took advantage, going on a scoring run that shifted the momentum completely. West Virginia found itself unable to regain control, leading to a frustrating finish.
“Our intensity just wasn’t there in the second half,” DeVries admitted. “We allowed them to dictate the pace, and we didn’t respond the way we needed to. Against good teams, you can’t afford to have that kind of drop-off.”
Despite the disappointment, DeVries remains focused on the future, emphasizing that his team must learn from the loss and improve. He stressed the importance of consistency and mental toughness as they prepare for upcoming challenges. “This game is a lesson for us,” he said. “We have to be locked in for all 40 minutes. The good news is, we have time to correct our mistakes.”
Several players also acknowledged the need for better execution and discipline. “We came out strong, but we didn’t keep that same energy,” one player said. “We know we’re capable of more, and we need to prove it in the next game.”
With a crucial stretch of the season ahead, DeVries and his coaching staff will focus on adjustments in both strategy and mindset. He believes the Mountaineers have the potential to bounce back but emphasized the importance of accountability. “It’s on us as a team to respond the right way,” he said. “We’ll get back to work and be ready for the next challenge.”
West Virginia will have an opportunity to turn things around in their next matchup, and fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds. For DeVries, the priority is clear—moving past the frustration and ensuring his team learns from their mistakes.