si
The wait is over. West Virginia Mountaineers basketball is back, and the games now count. On Monday night, WVU welcomes the Niagara Purple Eagles to Morgantown for the 2026-27 season opener. Niagara finished last season with an 8-22 record and, like many programs, will field a significantly different roster this year.
Two analysts from West Virginia On SI have shared their score predictions for the matchup.
Schuyler Callihan: West Virginia 84, Niagara 58
Callihan foresees a comfortable win for the Mountaineers. He notes that Niagara lacks dynamic scorers who could keep the game competitive, even briefly. He expects WVU to seize control from the opening tip and build a sizable lead quickly. Additionally, Niagara lacks the size and length to compete on the boards. Fidel Rotta, their tallest player at 6'9", is a true freshman with an undefined role, and three of their four tallest players are freshmen. West Virginia's frontcourt, led by Amadou Seini and Mouhamed Sylla, should dominate the glass. Callihan predicts an 84-58 Mountaineer victory.
Christopher Hall: West Virginia 97, Niagara 64
Hall acknowledges WVU's continued roster turnover but points out that the Mountaineers are aiming for their first NCAA tournament appearance in four years. The journey begins Monday night against Niagara, coached by former Duke standout and ex-Syracuse quarterback Greg Paulus. Paulus is in his eighth season at Niagara with an 86-120 overall record and only one winning season. West Virginia boasts one of its deepest benches in recent memory, especially in the backcourt. Fifth-year forward Brenen Lorient brings experience in his second season at WVU and third under head coach Ross Hodge. Freshman point guard Miles Sadler, one of the most highly touted signees in program history, will make his debut. Senior Finley Bizjack is expected to lead the team in scoring, while Joson Sanon will provide a spark off the bench from beyond the arc. The Mountaineers' frontcourt holds a significant size advantage, with sophomore center Mouhamad Sylla and 7'1" freshman Amadou Seini poised to dominate the paint. Lorient will also impact the game on both ends. Niagara, after its 8-22 campaign, will use a guard-heavy lineup that will challenge WVU's perimeter defense. Nevertheless, Hall expects West Virginia's size and talent to overwhelm the Purple Eagles in a 97-64 rout.
Key Analysis
Both analysts agree that West Virginia's superior size and depth will be decisive. The Mountaineers' ability to control the glass and score inside should offset any perimeter threats from Niagara. With a talented freshman class and experienced returners, WVU looks poised to start the season with a convincing win.