MORGANTOWN, WV - The West Virginia University (WVU) women's basketball team secured a hard-fought victory over the University of Kansas Jayhawks on Wednesday night, overcoming a late deficit to win 74-68 in a game defined by tenacious defense and clutch scoring. The Mountaineers (15-6, 6-4 Big 12) showcased resilience, closing the game on a dominant run to subdue the visiting Jayhawks (14-7, 4-6 Big 12).
The game, played at the WVU Coliseum, witnessed a seesaw battle, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the contest. Kansas, fueled by strong performances from their guards, held a slim advantage for much of the second half. However, West Virginia's determination and defensive adjustments in the final minutes proved to be the difference.
"I'm incredibly proud of our team's fight," said WVU Head Coach Mark Kellogg. "We faced adversity tonight, but our players stayed composed and executed down the stretch. Our defensive intensity really picked up, and that allowed us to get some key stops and turn them into points."
JJ Quinerly led the Mountaineers with a game-high 22 points, adding 5 rebounds and 4 assists to her impressive stat line. Her aggressive drives to the basket and ability to create scoring opportunities for her teammates were crucial in West Virginia's comeback. Kylee Blacksten contributed 16 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, providing a strong inside presence for the Mountaineers.
The Jayhawks were paced by Zakiyah Franklin, who scored 18 points and dished out 6 assists. Taiyanna Jackson added 14 points and 8 rebounds for Kansas. However, the Mountaineers' defense limited their effectiveness in the final quarter, forcing turnovers and contested shots.
The turning point of the game came with approximately four minutes remaining. Trailing by five points, West Virginia unleashed a full-court press that rattled the Jayhawks. Steals by Quinerly and Tirzah Moore led to fast-break opportunities, shifting the momentum firmly in the Mountaineers' favor.
Moore, who finished with 10 points and 6 rebounds, also played a pivotal role defensively, disrupting Kansas' offensive flow and providing crucial energy off the bench. Her defensive effort and timely scoring were vital to the Mountaineers' late surge.
"We knew we needed to turn up the pressure," Moore said after the game. "Coach told us to be aggressive and force turnovers, and we were able to execute that plan effectively. We just kept fighting and believing in each other."
West Virginia outscored Kansas 18-7 in the final four minutes, showcasing their ability to close out tight games. The Mountaineers capitalized on their free throw opportunities down the stretch, converting 8 of 10 attempts in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
The Mountaineers' victory was particularly significant given their recent schedule, which included several challenging road games against ranked opponents. This win provides a much-needed boost as they head into the final stretch of the Big 12 conference season.
Looking ahead, West Virginia will travel to Ames, Iowa, to face the Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday. Kansas will return home to host Texas Tech on the same day.
Coach Kellogg emphasized the importance of building on this victory. "We have a tough road ahead of us, but this win gives us confidence," he said. "We need to continue to improve defensively and execute our offensive game plan effectively. If we do that, we can compete with anyone in this conference."
The Mountaineers' performance against Kansas highlighted their resilience, defensive prowess, and ability to perform under pressure. With a strong core of players and a determined coaching staff, West Virginia Women's Basketball looks poised to make a significant impact in the Big 12 conference.
