Hey, first place is on the line at Hawley Field this weekend. Big East-best West Virginia plays host to St. John’s and the Mountaineers’ marketing department would like for you to swing on by tonight and enjoy a hot dog.

“St. John’s is a good ballcub,” Coach Greg Van Zant said. “They’ve been in the NCAA Tournament a number of years and have swept the last two series against us. It will be a challenge for us this weekend but we are looking forward to it.”

Thursday’s contest is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., and is deemed as “Dollar Night,” with all tickets, hot dogs, popcorn and Coca-Colas available for $1 each. Friday’s game is set to begin at 5 p.m., and Saturday contest starts at 1 p.m.

The Mountaineers (23-6, 8-1) are off to their best start in conference play since beginning with an identical 8-1 record in 1997. WVU took all three games from Georgetown in its most recent BIG EAST series, outscoring the Hoyas, 28-14, through all three games. 

WVU went 13-13 the rest of the way in 1997, but won a conference divisional title for the second straight year. It hasn’t happened since, which means we’ll know a lot more about these guys Sunday morning. If you can’t wait — who can? — follow it for free.