MORGANTOWN, WV – The West Virginia University women's basketball team overcame a sluggish start and a resilient Kansas squad to secure a hard-fought 72-68 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.
Trailing by as many as eight points in the third quarter, West Virginia (14-6, 5-4 Big 12) dug deep, demonstrating the grit that Head Coach Mark Kellogg has instilled in his program. The Mountaineers’ relentless pressure on defense forced crucial turnovers down the stretch, converting those opportunities into valuable points.
“I’m incredibly proud of the resilience this team showed tonight," Kellogg said after the game. "We didn't have our best shooting night, but we found a way to win by playing tough defense and making the plays that mattered most in the final minutes."
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip, with both teams trading baskets and battling for control of the tempo. Kansas (11-9, 4-5 Big 12) came out firing, showcasing a balanced offensive attack led by guard Zakiyah Franklin, who finished with a game-high 22 points. Forward Taiyanna Jackson added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Jayhawks, proving a dominant presence in the paint.
West Virginia, however, struggled to find its rhythm early on. The Mountaineers shot just 38% from the field in the first half and committed several unforced turnovers, allowing Kansas to build a narrow lead heading into halftime.
But the second half saw a different West Virginia team emerge. The Mountaineers intensified their defensive pressure, forcing Kansas into difficult shots and creating opportunities in transition. Guard JJ Quinerly spearheaded the comeback, scoring 18 points, including several key baskets in the fourth quarter. Her aggressive drives to the basket and unwavering confidence provided a spark that ignited the Mountaineer offense.
"JJ is a special player," Kellogg said. "She has the ability to take over a game when we need her to. Her energy and determination are contagious."
Forward Kylee Blacksten also delivered a strong performance for West Virginia, contributing 14 points and 8 rebounds. Her consistent presence on the boards and timely scoring helped the Mountaineers maintain pace with Kansas throughout the game.
With the score tied at 64-64 in the final minutes, West Virginia executed flawlessly on both ends of the court. A crucial steal by Quinerly led to a fast-break layup, giving the Mountaineers a two-point advantage. Then, a defensive stop on Kansas's ensuing possession forced the Jayhawks to foul. Free throws by Blacksten and guard Danelle Arigbabu sealed the victory for West Virginia.
Beyond Quinerly's 18 points and Blacksten's solid outing, Arigbabu added 10 points. West Virginia out-rebounded Kansas 42-38.
For Kansas, beside Franklin and Jackson, Wyvette Mayberry chipped in 12 points. The Jayhawks shot 41% from the field.
The Mountaineers will look to build on this momentum as they continue their Big 12 schedule. They next travel to Lubbock, Texas, to face the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday. Kansas will return home to host Iowa State.
The victory against Kansas was a testament to West Virginia's resilience and determination. The Mountaineers proved they can overcome adversity and find a way to win, even when facing a tough opponent. With their eyes set on a strong finish to the season, West Virginia will undoubtedly continue to battle and compete with the same relentless spirit.
