Lafayette Leopards prepare for a fifth meeting against West Virginia, aiming for their first road win of the season. The Leopards recently suffered a 97-78 loss to Cornell, with standout performances from Caleb Williams (19 points) and Shareef Jackson (13 points). Lafayette has a record of 13-20 from the previous season and has lost several key players to graduation and transfers. This matchup features West Virginia's new head coach Ross Hodge, who has led them to a strong start with a 5-0 record, the best for a WVU coach since 1954.

By the Numbers
  • Lafayette's Caleb Williams ranks first in the Patriot League for points (70) and points per game (17.5).
  • West Virginia's Ross Hodge is currently undefeated in his first season (5-0).
Yes, But

West Virginia has no returning players who contributed scoring or minutes from last season, raising questions about their consistency despite the strong start under Hodge.

State of Play
  • Lafayette stands at 0-1 in the early season after their most recent loss to Cornell.
  • West Virginia secured victories over rivals Lehigh and Pitt, demonstrating a strong defensive strategy.
What's Next

Following the West Virginia game, Lafayette will face Stonehill in Easton, Mass. on Friday, which could provide opportunities for redemption and improvement before the start of Patriot League play.

Bottom Line

The Leopards need to build on their recent performances to gain momentum. Engaging the experience of their returning players like Caleb Williams will be vital in a competitive non-conference schedule ahead.