WVU Women’s Basketball Falls to TCU in Big 12 Semifinals

WVU Women’s Basketball saw their run at a Big 12 title end in the conference semifinals on Saturday, March 8, falling 71-65 to No. 8 TCU 71-65 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Mo.

While the Horned Frogs led 40-25 at the half, the No. 16 Mountaineers held their own early, leading 11-7 in the first period after a jumper from JJ Quinerly, who led the field with 20 points. TCU immediately snatched the lead away with three-pointers from Donovyn Hunter and Van Lith, and the Mountaineers never even managed to force another tie.

West Virginia kept things interesting, fighting back into the game in the third period as they outscored the Horned Frogs 22-12. That included a 12-4 run in the last 3:15, capped by a Jordan Harrison triple at the buzzer.

West Virginia looked poised to continue their success into the final quarter, forcing Horned Frogs star Hailey Van Lith to commit a turnover on the opening possession. Quinerly’s ensuing shot missed, however, and TCU’s lead was back up to double digits in little more than a minute after Van Lith rebounded with a three-pointer and an assist.

Harrison fouled out with 2:30 to play as the Mountaineers trailed 65-57, a major blow to their scoring potential… and chance to mount a comeback.

Up next for WVU Women’s Basketball is the NCAA Tournament. With the No. 11 NET ranking at the start of play on March 8, they’re a lock for an at-large bid.