MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University women’s basketball team mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback Wednesday night, overcoming a double-digit deficit to defeat the University of Kansas Jayhawks 68-63 at the WVU Coliseum. The Mountaineers, fueled by a dominant performance from junior guard JJ Quinerly and a staunch defensive effort down the stretch, improved to 15-2 on the season and 4-2 in Big 12 Conference play.
Kansas, who entered the game with a strong record of their own, fell to 13-4 overall and 3-3 in conference. The Jayhawks controlled much of the first three quarters, building a lead that ballooned to as many as 12 points early in the third. Their offense, led by senior guard Holly Kersgieter, found success in penetrating the Mountaineer defense and converting on second-chance opportunities.
However, West Virginia refused to back down. Facing a significant deficit heading into the final frame, the Mountaineers turned up the defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and disrupting the Jayhawks' offensive rhythm.
“We talked about needing to find another gear,” said WVU Head Coach Mark Kellogg after the game. “We weren’t playing with the intensity and urgency we needed to. I challenged them to lock in defensively, and they responded in a big way.”
Quinerly, who finished with a game-high 26 points, spearheaded the Mountaineer offense during the comeback. Her aggressive drives to the basket, coupled with clutch free-throw shooting, proved too much for Kansas to handle. Quinerly also contributed 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
“We just knew we had to pick up the energy,” Quinerly said. “We weren’t playing our game, and we knew we were capable of more. We just had to lock in on both ends of the floor.”
Beyond Quinerly’s stellar performance, several other Mountaineers played key roles in the victory. Guard Kyah Watson added 14 points and 7 rebounds, while forward Kylee Blacksten contributed 10 points and provided valuable minutes off the bench. The Mountaineers outscored Kansas 25-13 in the fourth quarter, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The turning point of the game came midway through the fourth quarter when West Virginia went on a 12-2 run, fueled by back-to-back steals and transition baskets. The Coliseum crowd, sensing the momentum shift, erupted in support, providing a significant boost to the Mountaineers.
Kansas struggled to find answers in the face of West Virginia’s increased defensive intensity. Their shooting percentage plummeted in the fourth quarter, and they committed several costly turnovers that allowed the Mountaineers to close the gap and ultimately take the lead.
Kersgieter led Kansas with 18 points, but she was held to just 2 points in the crucial fourth quarter. Taiyanna Jackson added 12 points and 8 rebounds for the Jayhawks.
West Virginia’s victory marks a significant win in their quest for a strong showing in the Big 12 Conference. The Mountaineers have proven their ability to compete with some of the top teams in the league, and their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to their character.
Looking ahead, the Mountaineers will travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Saturday to face the Oklahoma State Cowgirls. Kansas will return home to host Baylor on Saturday.
The Mountaineers will look to build on this momentum and continue their winning ways as they navigate the challenges of the Big 12 Conference schedule. Wednesday night’s victory served as a reminder that this West Virginia team is capable of competing with anyone, especially when they play with the intensity and determination they displayed in the fourth quarter against Kansas.
