West Virginia Opens Season Against Niagara
West Virginia hosts Niagara in Morgantown on November 2 for both teams’ season opener. West Virginia is favored by 28.5 points.
The West Virginia Mountaineers begin their 2026-27 men’s basketball season by hosting the Niagara Purple Eagles in Morgantown on November 2. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST, with West Virginia listed as a 28.5-point favorite and the over-under set at 140.5 points.
West Virginia finished 21-14 last season, including a 15-3 record at home. The Mountaineers scored an average of 70.6 points per game, with 30.5 coming in the paint. Niagara went 8-22 overall and 2-14 on the road, averaging 10.7 points per game off turnovers and 7.4 second-chance points.
Two game predictions put West Virginia comfortably ahead. One forecast calls for an 84-58 Mountaineers win, citing Niagara’s expected scoring and rebounding challenges. Another predicts a 97-64 result, pointing to West Virginia’s size and depth, while noting that Niagara’s guard-heavy lineup could test the Mountaineers’ perimeter defense.
West Virginia hopes to qualify for the NCAA tournament again after missing out for four years. The opener begins that pursuit, while Niagara starts a season with a roster that has changed since its 8-22 campaign.