Three Thoughts on WVU's Big 12 Matchups

Thursday, the Big 12 Conference unveiled the new schedule matrix for the 2023-24 men's basketball season, featuring the four new members. With round-robin play a thing of the past, West Virginia will have home-and-homes with five teams; four home-only games; four away-only games.

Home-and-away: UCF, Cincinnati, K-State, TCU, Texas

Home-only: Baylor, BYU, Kansas, Texas Tech

Away-only: Iowa State, Houston, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State

My thoughts on WVU's matchups:

No road trips to Baylor, Kansas, or Texas Tech

For the first time since joining the Big 12, the Mountaineers won't have to make the dreaded trip to Phog Allen Fieldhouse - the place that John Higgins built. Oops, did I say that out loud? But in all seriousness, not having to play in arguably the three toughest environments in the conference is a huge win for WVU.

Home-and-home with Eastern partners

The Mountaineers have to travel to Houston and will host BYU, but do get a home-and-home against the other two new members of the league - Central Florida and Cincinnati. I expect this will be the formula for facing the four newcomers to help West Virginia with travel to some extent.

Toussaint and Bridges to play in Coliseum

Jalen Bridges had a nice return to the WVU Coliseum last season, helping the Bears to an 83-78 win. He notched a double-double, scoring 10 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Although he's already dealt with the emotions of returning, I'm sure this one will be just as important being the last time he plays there.

Unlike Bridges, Toussaint didn't come to West Virginia out of high school, nor is he a West Virginia native. Sure, transferring within the conference will upset some folks in the fanbase and I'm certain the fans will give him a warm welcome but I don't see it being anything near what Bridges wen through in his return.

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