MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University (WVU) women’s basketball team overcame a sluggish start and a determined Kansas Jayhawks squad to secure a hard-fought 72-65 victory Wednesday night at the WVU Coliseum. A late-game surge, fueled by tenacious defense and clutch shooting, propelled the Mountaineers to their crucial Big 12 conference win.
The victory improves West Virginia’s record to 17-6 overall and 6-5 in conference play, while Kansas falls to 15-9 on the season and 5-6 in the Big 12.
"This was a gritty win," said WVU Head Coach Mark Kellogg after the game. "Kansas is a tough team, and they came ready to play. I was proud of our girls for staying composed and finding a way to pull it out in the end."
The Mountaineers struggled to find their rhythm early, trailing by as many as eight points in the first half. Kansas’s Holly Kersgieter proved a difficult matchup, scoring 12 points in the first two quarters and helping the Jayhawks establish an early lead. West Virginia, meanwhile, battled foul trouble and struggled to contain Kansas's offensive sets. The Jayhawks took a 35-31 lead into the halftime break.
The third quarter saw a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a significant advantage. West Virginia began to find some success driving to the basket, drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. However, Kansas continued to answer, maintaining a narrow lead.
The turning point came midway through the fourth quarter. Trailing by five, West Virginia ratcheted up the defensive intensity, forcing several key turnovers that led to easy transition baskets. A 10-2 run, sparked by a steal and layup by sophomore guard JJ Quinerly, put the Mountaineers ahead, a lead they would not relinquish.
Quinerly led all scorers with 21 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Her aggressive play and ability to create scoring opportunities were instrumental in West Virginia’s comeback.
"JJ was fantastic tonight," Kellogg said. "She's a dynamic player who can score in so many ways. Her energy is contagious, and she really lifted us when we needed it."
Fifth-year guard Lauren Fields contributed 16 points for the Mountaineers, including four crucial free throws in the final minute to seal the victory. Junior guard Kyah Watson added 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
For Kansas, Kersgieter finished with a team-high 19 points, while Taiyanna Jackson added 14 points and nine rebounds. However, the Jayhawks struggled to maintain their offensive efficiency in the fourth quarter, shooting just 33% from the field.
The Mountaineers capitalized on Kansas's late-game struggles, outrebounding the Jayhawks 42-35 and forcing 15 turnovers. West Virginia also shot 81% from the free-throw line, compared to Kansas's 67%.
West Virginia will look to build on this momentum as they 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 maintaining focus as the season progresses. "Every game in the Big 12 is a battle," he said. "We need to continue to improve and play with the same intensity and determination that we showed tonight if we want to be successful."
The victory provides a significant boost to West Virginia's postseason aspirations and demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to overcome adversity. The Mountaineers showed that they are a force to be reckoned with in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
