CHARLESTON, W.Va. — WVU president Gordon Gee favors continuing the WVU-Marshall basketball series continuing but wants the games played in Morgantown, not rooted in Charleston.
“We believe that a basketball game between Marshall and West Virginia University is a good idea,” Gee said Tuesday during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline” from the state capitol. “We have said we would play but the economics dictate that it should be played in Morgantown.”
Gee indicated the school might discuss a contract where WVU hosts Marshall in Morgantown most years and occasionally shifts the game to other arenas around the state.
“So it is not whether or not we should play, but where the venue should be,” Gee said.
The teams have played annually in Charleston since 1992, giving the Capital Classic its name.
After last month’s 86-68 win by West Virginia, the latest five-year sponsorship agreement expired, clouding the future of the series. The programs currently do not have a game scheduled for next season.
New Marshall president Jerry Gilbert, who officially took office in Huntington only this week, told “Talkline” he prefers the matchups remain in Charleston.
“I think it’s a great idea,” he said. “I think it’s great for both schools.”