What is the Backyard Brawl?

The Backyard Brawl is the annual basketball rivalry game between the Pitt Panthers and West Virginia Mountaineers, two undefeated teams facing off on November 16, 2025.

Who is the new West Virginia Mountaineers coach?

Ross Hodge, hired away from North Texas, is the new head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers basketball team.

How have the Pitt Panthers and West Virginia Mountaineers performed so far this season?

Both teams enter the Backyard Brawl with 3-0 records, setting up an exciting matchup between the undefeated rivals.

Home / Sports / Undefeated Rivals Clash in Backyard Brawl Basketball Showdown

Undefeated Rivals Clash in Backyard Brawl Basketball Showdown

13 Nov

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Summary

Pitt (3-0) and West Virginia (3-0) face off in annual rivalry game
New WVU coach Ross Hodge understands the significance of the matchup
Brenen Lorient had a breakout game for WVU in their recent win

Undefeated Rivals Clash in Backyard Brawl Basketball Showdown

On Thursday, November 16, 2025, the undefeated Pitt Panthers and West Virginia Mountaineers will face off in the annual Backyard Brawl basketball game in Morgantown, West Virginia. Both teams enter the highly anticipated matchup with 3-0 records on the season.

First-year Mountaineers coach Ross Hodge was quickly made aware of the significance of this rivalry game when he took the job. "I had this job for about one minute and somebody (asked me about this game)," Hodge said. "I think everyone associated with our program understands how big the game is." The Backyard Brawl is the 192nd meeting between the two programs, with West Virginia holding a 101-90 series lead.

In their most recent outing, the Mountaineers picked up a 69-47 home win over Lehigh on Sunday, November 12th. Senior transfer Brenen Lorient had a breakout performance, scoring 26 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and recording 3 steals. Pitt, meanwhile, secured a 78-66 victory over Eastern Michigan on Monday, November 13th, led by 16 points and 7 rebounds from Cameron Corhen.