WVU Women’s Basketball Takes Downs No. 25 Penn State 83-65

WVU Women’s Basketball defeated No. 25 Penn State 83-59 on Monday, their first win over the Nittany Lions since 1989.

West Virginia (8-0) forced 26 turnovers on the day, marking the seventh time in eight games they caused more than 20. They also excelled at drawing fouls, then made the Nittany Lions pay by sinking 19 of 23 shots from the line.

Junior guard JJ Quinerly led both teams in scoring—as she has for much of the season—with 22 points. Sophomore guard Jordan Harrison came within an assist of a double-double, racking up 14 points, nine assists and six steals.

Penn State built a 9-5 lead early, but the unranked Mountaineers forced five turnovers in a span of two minutes, taking the lead with an 8-0 run.

The Nittany Lions punched back fast, though, closing the opening frame with two three-pointers to go up 18-16.  Lauren Fields sank a three-pointer from near the logo to beat the shot clock midway through the second period, putting the Mountaineers up 29-24. Once again, Penn State stormed right back, holding West Virginia scoreless for nearly three minutes as they tied the game at 29.

Then it was the Mountaineers’ turn to go on a run, as they finished the half on a 12-2 streak to take a double digit lead into the break.

Penn State began to foul frequently in the second half with the game threatening to spiral out of reach: ten of the 21 personal fouls they committed came in the third period alone. The Mountaineers couldn’t put the game entirely away, though, as seven turnovers helped the Nittany Lions stay alive.

West Virginia’s defense took over late, forcing ten turnovers in the fourth quarter—limiting Penn State to just nine shots—on the way to the 83-65 final.

WVU Women’s Basketball next takes the court against Delaware State at the WVU Coliseum, with the opening tip-off set for 2 pm on Sunday, December 10.

Postgame Reaction