MORGANTOWN, WV – The West Virginia University women's basketball team rallied from a sluggish first half to defeat the University of Kansas Jayhawks 72-65 Wednesday night at the WVU Coliseum. A strong fourth-quarter performance, fueled by tenacious defense and clutch shooting, secured the Mountaineers’ victory in this crucial Big 12 Conference matchup.
The win improves West Virginia's overall record to 18-6 and their conference standing to 7-4, placing them firmly in contention within the highly competitive Big 12. Kansas, meanwhile, falls to 15-9 overall and 5-6 in conference play.
"I'm really proud of our resilience tonight," said West Virginia head coach Mark Kellogg after the game. "We didn't play our best basketball in the first half, but the team really stepped up their intensity and focus in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter when it mattered most."
The first half saw Kansas dictating the pace of play, capitalizing on early Mountaineer turnovers and missed shots. The Jayhawks established an early lead, shooting efficiently from the field and controlling the boards. At halftime, Kansas held a comfortable 36-28 advantage, leaving the home crowd apprehensive.
However, West Virginia emerged from the locker room with renewed energy. The Mountaineers tightened their defensive pressure, forcing Kansas into difficult shots and creating opportunities for fast breaks. Junior guard JJ Quinerly spearheaded the comeback effort, driving to the basket and either scoring or drawing fouls. Quinerly finished with a game-high 24 points, adding five rebounds and three steals.
The third quarter saw West Virginia chipping away at the deficit, outscoring Kansas 21-16. The Mountaineers’ offense found its rhythm, with multiple players contributing points. Senior guard Lauren Fields added 15 points, while forward Kylee Blacksten contributed 10 points and six rebounds.
The decisive fourth quarter witnessed a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading baskets. However, West Virginia's defensive intensity proved to be the difference-maker. The Mountaineers forced several key turnovers in the final minutes, converting them into crucial points. A late three-pointer from Fields extended West Virginia's lead, effectively sealing the victory.
Kansas was led by their star guard, Zakiyah Franklin, who scored 18 points. However, Franklin struggled from the field in the second half, shooting just 3-of-10. The Jayhawks also struggled to contain Quinerly's relentless drives to the basket, resulting in numerous fouls and free throw opportunities for West Virginia.
Key to West Virginia's victory was their dominance on the offensive glass. The Mountaineers out-rebounded Kansas 15-8 on the offensive end, creating numerous second-chance opportunities. This tenacity on the boards allowed them to maintain possession and extend their offensive possessions.
"Rebounding was a huge focus for us coming into this game," Kellogg stated. "We knew Kansas was a strong rebounding team, so we emphasized the importance of winning the battle on the boards. Our players really stepped up and did a great job in that area."
The Mountaineers will look to build on this momentum as they travel to face Baylor University this weekend. The game against the Bears, another tough Big 12 opponent, will be a crucial test for West Virginia as they continue their push towards the NCAA Tournament. Kansas, meanwhile, will return home to host Oklahoma State University, seeking to rebound from this road loss and improve their conference standing.
This victory over Kansas not only boosts West Virginia's conference record but also provides valuable momentum as they enter the final stretch of the regular season. The Mountaineers' ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the Big 12 Conference. The team hopes to continue improving their performance and contend for a top spot in the conference tournament and a favorable seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
