WVU Women’s Basketball Lives Up to Moment, Dances to Second Round

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In an unprecedented atmosphere, the WVU women’s basketball team answered the moment in their first NCAA Tournament game in Morgantown in over 30 years, dancing on by overpowering Miami (Ohio) 82-54.

After trading baskets in the opening minute, a Sydney Shaw three-ball ignited the crowd and provided an early difference maker. But the No. 13 seed Redhawks were not going to go away quietly.

In fact, they managed to take a 14-11 lead with 2:04 left in the first quarter. And then in keeping with what was common throughout the game, another three by Shaw tied the game and snatched momentum back to the side of the home team.

As was the case during the regular season and during their run to a Big 12 Tournament title, strong defense, rebounding and steals allowed West Virginia to eventually suffocate Miami (OH) and start pulling away. The final minute of the opening session included three consecutive flipped possessions, leading to an 11-0 to close the quarter, with six by Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Jordan Harrison.

In a blink of an eye, the game went from tied and the crowd sitting on pins and needles to the Mountaineers up 22-14.

The score quickly jumped to 28-14 within the first two minutes of the second quarter. It would take until 7:09 sat on the game clock for Miami (OH) to convert a field goal, which is where the score would remain for the next minute due to missed shots on both sides.

A three by Miami (OH) moved the score 30-19 in favor of WVU with 4:38 left in the first half. Then, several minutes later, a big defensive rebound led to a basket by Gia Cooke and a 38-23 edge for the Mountaineers with 1:40 on the clock.

WVU women’s basketball competes against Miami (OH) in the first round of the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament at the Hope Coliseum. (WVSN photo by Kelsie LeRose)

West Virginia would close the first half up 40-26, as the crowd sent the home team to the locker room with a loud ovation during the final second of the half.

Mostly staying to easy baskets in the paint, WVU built a lead that eventually exceeded 20 points at 53-35 with 5:29 left in the game. West Virginia’s advantage climbed to 67-41 thanks to consistent scoring from Shaw and Cooke, making it so Harrison could strictly focus on the defensive end.

The score differential stayed around the same margin throughout the rest of the game, getting to as much as 76-43 at 4:42. West Virginia was able to comfortably cruise to a 82-54 victory, so much so they removed their starters with about three minutes to go.

To speak to the complete effort, four different Mountaineers reached double figures in scoring. Shaw led the way with 19 points, connecting on 6-of-12 from the field. She added nine rebounds. Cooke put up 18 of her own and Harrison scored 15 points with one three, eight assists and four rebounds. Kierra Wheeler rounded out the big night with 14 points, tying Shaw for the team lead with nine rebounds and three assists.

The WVU women march on and will face Kentucky on Monday in the second round, providing fans one last opportunity to watch their team play at home. A win over Kentucky gets West Virginia to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1992 and for only the second time on the women’s side in program history.

Find more coverage of the WVU women’s basketball program at WV Sports Now.

For related content, WV Sports Now asked fans how far they believe the Mountaineers will advance in the Women’s NCAA Tournament.

Also, Mike Asti and Luke Blain discuss the pressure on WVU on the latest Mountaineer Report.