MORGANTOWN, WV – The West Virginia University (WVU) women's basketball team overcame a slow start and a persistent Kansas Jayhawks squad to secure a 72-65 victory Wednesday night at the WVU Coliseum. A dominant fourth-quarter performance, fueled by strong defensive pressure and clutch shooting, propelled the Mountaineers to their crucial conference win.
The Mountaineers (15-6, 6-4 Big 12) struggled to find their rhythm early, allowing Kansas (10-11, 3-7 Big 12) to take an early lead. Turnovers plagued the WVU offense, and the Jayhawks capitalized, building a lead as large as eight points in the second quarter. Kansas’s Holly Kersgieter proved a difficult matchup for the Mountaineer defense, showcasing her scoring prowess with a game-high 24 points.
However, West Virginia refused to back down. Coach Mark Kellogg made key adjustments at halftime, emphasizing increased intensity on defense and improved ball movement on offense. The Mountaineers responded, slowly chipping away at the Kansas lead throughout the third quarter.
"We talked at halftime about needing to be more aggressive, both offensively and defensively," Kellogg said after the game. "We knew we had to raise our energy level, and I thought the team really responded in the second half."
The fourth quarter was where West Virginia truly took control. A renewed defensive focus forced several Kansas turnovers, which the Mountaineers converted into quick points. JJ Quinerly, who finished with a team-high 18 points, led the charge, consistently attacking the basket and drawing fouls. Her aggressive play sparked the entire team.
Madisen Smith added 16 points, showcasing her versatility by scoring from both inside and outside. Kyah Watson contributed a crucial 12 points and 8 rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint. The Mountaineers outscored Kansas 24-14 in the final frame.
Key to the Mountaineers’ victory was their ability to control the boards. West Virginia outrebounded Kansas 42-35, giving them crucial second-chance opportunities. They also limited Kansas to just 38% shooting from the field, a testament to their improved defensive effort.
Despite Kersgieter’s impressive performance for Kansas, the Jayhawks struggled to find consistent scoring beyond their star player. Wyvette Mayberry added 13 points for Kansas, but the team’s overall offensive output faltered in the face of West Virginia’s defensive pressure.
The win marks a significant step forward for the Mountaineers as they navigate the challenging Big 12 conference schedule. With a tough road game against Oklahoma State looming on Saturday, the team will look to carry the momentum from this victory forward.
"Every game in this conference is a battle," Kellogg stated. "We know we have to be ready to compete every single night. This win gives us confidence, but we also know we have to keep improving."
Looking ahead, the Mountaineers will focus on maintaining their defensive intensity and improving their offensive consistency. They also need to limit turnovers, which plagued them early in the game against Kansas. The team’s ability to adjust and respond in the second half shows their resilience and potential for continued success. The Mountaineers hope to solidify their position in the Big 12 standings and secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
