Preview: West Virginia Mountaineers at Ohio State Buckeyes CLEVELAND (Interstat) — A pair of surging programs will meet in a non-conference showcase Saturday when the West Virginia Mountaineers face the Ohio State Buckeyes at Rocket Arena. West Virginia (8-3) enters having won three of its last four, including a dominant 90-58 victory over Arkansas-Little Rock on Tuesday. The Mountaineers’ offense has found its rhythm, averaging 84 points over those three wins. They are led by guard Honor Huff, who is averaging 21.4 points over his last five games. He scored 24 points in the win over Arkansas-Little Rock, matching his output from a 75-66 loss to Wake Forest on Dec. 6. Treysen Eaglestaff (23 points) and Chance Moore (12) provided key support in the latest victory. Ohio State (7-2) looks to rebound from an 88-80 home loss to Illinois on Tuesday, which snapped a two-game win streak. Despite the defeat, junior guard Bruce Thornton turned in a stellar performance, scoring a season-high 34 points and dishing six assists. Thornton has been the engine for the Buckeyes, averaging 22.2 points and 5.2 assists over his last five contests. He recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists in an 86-82 road win at Northwestern on Dec. 6. The matchup features two of the nation’s more productive backcourts. Huff’s scoring burst will be tested by Thornton’s all-around playmaking in what should be a pivotal individual duel. This game represents a final major non-conference test for both sides before holiday breaks and the grind of league play begin. West Virginia opens Big 12 action Jan. 2 at Iowa State, while Ohio State starts its Big Ten schedule the same day at Rutgers. Saturday’s contest is a home-state advantage for the Buckeyes, though played off-campus in Cleveland. The Mountaineers have struggled away from Morgantown, with all three losses coming on the road or at neutral sites, including close defeats at Clemson and Xavier. Tipoff is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025.