In just 11 days, we will unleash holy hell upon Robert Morris, as retribution for ruining our season openers in 1988 & 1989!
In 1988, even with future WVU Hall of Fame talents like Darryl Prue and Chris Brooks, WVU legends Herbie Brooks, Steve Berger and Tracy Shelton, the Cat still could not overcome the relentless execution and pursuit of Coach Jarrett Durham's famed Robert Morris basketball squad. Despite Mike Yoest's 1 assist, WVU would fall, 75-67. Incidentally, WVU would go on to start 1-2, then rip off 22 consecutive victories in a season which would end when WVU was defeated by the Officials in the 2nd Round of the NCAA Tournament in Greensboro, NC.
In 1989, Coach Durham would once again ruin the early season for the Cat, as turncoat Brett Vincent would lead Bobby Morris to victory over our beloved Mountaineers despite 21 points from Tracy Shelton, and Chris Leonard's 4 treys in 7 attempts. Blame for this loss falls squarely on the shoulders of Mike Yoest, who was held scoreless in his two minutes. Somehow WVU would fall 67-64, despite debuting Thomas Kroger, Jeremy Bodkin and Matt Roadcap.
So, here we are, once again facing our nemesis from the Steel City. While the Pitt game may be known as the Backyard Brawl, we're going to call this one the "Sideyard Scuffle". It's times like these that time seems to stand still, your entire being is engulfed by passionate hatred for the opponent, and you stifle the haunting memories of yesteryear, when Chris Brooks went 1-6 from the charity stripe, the Cat whipped off his leather jacket in fury, and the Mighty Mountaineer at Chico's Dairy didn't quite hit the same after the game. It's time, once again, to face our demons from the past and vanquish them.
Avenge Yoest!