West Virginia’s 2025-26 men’s basketball season is drawing to a close. The Mountaineers are preparing to face Stanford in an opening-round matchup in the College Basketball Crown.
The game is scheduled for Thursday night at 8 p.m. (EST). The second meeting between WVU and the Cardinal, and first in 67 years, will be played inside MGM Grand Garden Arena and broadcast nationally on FS1.
Financial Incentives in the College Basketball Crown
Financial incentives are available in CBC, which is in its second year. The prize pool is $500,000.
- Teams get $50,000 for reaching a semifinal.
- $100,000 for playing in the final.
- $300,000 for winning the event.
According to first-year WVU coach Ross Hodge, the financial rewards of the tournament have become less significant. “This is how crazy this time period that we’re in has shifted,” Hodge said.
Hodge added, “In two years, it went from probably this is a good amount of money to inconsequential maybe. And that’s sad to say.”
Mountaineers’ Motivation Beyond Money
Senior guard Honor Huff says the Mountaineers are focused on creating a lasting memory. Huff says this is a chance to finish the season strongly.
“The purpose and motivation of playing is far from the money,” Huff said. “Being able to have this experience with each other, because we truly do love each other, that’s what motivates us more than money.”
Huff added, “People get paid now anyway. If it was a couple years ago, maybe it’s I want to win so I can get some money.”
Recent Form and Preparation
WVU has lost five of its last seven contests. That includes a 68-48 setback against BYU in the Big 12 Conference Tournament three weeks ago.
Stanford last played March 10, suffering a one-point loss to Pitt.
Hodge noted the long break before the game, saying, “It’s very similar to what football does with their bowl games when you a have month or even more than that.”
With Big 12 Conference tie-ins to CBC as a result of its partnership with FOX, the event has become the main attraction for league teams that don’t qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
Colorado and Baylor are among this year’s field and five Big 12 squads participated in the inaugural version, which ended with Nebraska defeating UCF in the title game.