STAR CITY, W.Va. (Interstat) — West Virginia looks to close its nonconference schedule with momentum when it hosts struggling Mississippi Valley State on Monday night at WVU Coliseum. The Mountaineers (8-4) are coming off a heartbreaking 89-88 double-overtime loss at Ohio State on Dec. 13, a game in which they led by eight points with under three minutes remaining in regulation. Guard Honor Huff has been the catalyst, averaging 24 points over his last three games, including 24 points and five assists in the narrow defeat to the Buckeyes. Mississippi Valley State (1-11) enters on a nine-game losing streak, most recently a 96-49 road loss at Florida State on Friday. The Delta Devils have faced a brutal early schedule, with all 11 losses coming by double digits and eight by 30 or more points. Their lone win came against non-Division I MUW on Nov. 5. The primary threat for the visitors is guard Michael James, who has shown a prolific scoring ability despite the lopsided results. James is averaging 22.2 points over his last five games, including a 32-point effort at Texas A&M and a 27-point performance against Tarleton State. He scored 20 in the loss to Florida State. West Virginia has dominated at home, going 6-1 in Morgantown with an average margin of victory of 27 points in those wins. Their defense will aim to contain James and force turnovers against a Delta Devils squad that has struggled offensively, failing to reach 65 points in 10 of 12 games. This marks the first-ever meeting between the programs. Following this game, West Virginia opens Big 12 Conference play at Iowa State on Jan. 2. Mississippi Valley State continues its difficult road stretch with a game at Oklahoma on Dec. 29 before opening SWAC play at home on Jan. 3. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST.