WVU moved up two spots this week in the AP Top 25 rankings. They are now the 23rd-ranked team in the nation and notched another win over McNeese State, 83-63, to move to 6-0. Gia Cooke led them in scoring for the second consecutive game, and all the starters were in double-digits. That win advances them to the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship game, where they play Ohio State. They play on Wednesday, November 26, at 1:30 p.m. Read more: Gia Cooke’s 24 points lead WVU past McNeese State.
Gia Cooke’s 24 points lead WVU past McNeese State
The Mountaineers scored more than 80 points for the fifth time this season in six games. Scoring has come in bunches this season, but it should get tougher as conference play starts. WVU jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter of this game before McNeese State settled in and ended the quarter down three points. The Mountaineers never lost the lead, however, and coasted to a victory over the final three quarters.
First half
Kierra Wheeler started the game for WVU with a three-pointer off an assist from Cooke, and they never looked back. Cooke also scored seven points in the first quarter, while Jordan Thomas chipped in five points. They started the game hot with 14 consecutive points, but they let the Cowgirls back into it. McNeese State finished the quarter on a 17 to 6 run to cut into the Mountaineers’ lead.
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Foul trouble hindered the Cowgirls early and was a big reason they could not get back into the game. They had six fouls in the first quarter and seven in the second. WVU made five of seven free throws and six of 10 in the first and second quarters. The Mountaineers did a great job of not fouling, only accumulating 11 in the entire game. WVU outscored McNeese State 21 to 11 in the second quarter, with 15 points from Cooke, to take a 41-28 lead into the break.
Second half
Sydney Shaw was held in check in the first half, but came alive in the second. She had zero points in the first quarter and four in the second, but finished with 14 as the second-leading scorer for WVU. She also had three rebounds, one assist, and three steals. WVU stretched the 13-point lead it took into halftime to 20 after the third quarter.
West Virginia’s Gia Cooke DOMINATED at the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship😤
🔺6/9 from the Field
🔺24 Points
🔺3 AssistsCooke vs. McNeese State Highlights⬇️#Big12WBB | @WVUWBB pic.twitter.com/Hpo01dnORB
— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) November 24, 2025
McNeese State was competitive in the fourth quarter, but could not cut into the lead at all. They tied the quarter with 18 points apiece, and WVU coasted to a victory. Kierra Wheeler finished the game with 12 points and 10 rebounds to record a double-double. Jordan Harrison led the way with seven assists, to go along with 10 points.
Final analysis
WVU’s defense reared its head again in this game, but turnovers were once again a concern. They had 18 turnovers, 12 of which came off steals by McNeese State. They must clean up that part of the game, or it could haunt them against better teams. WVU outrebounded them 37-22, which was a significant factor in their domination of the game. The Mountaineers also made 23 of 30 (77%) free throws in the game and took advantage at the charity stripe. The 4-1 Buckeyes should present a more challenging test for the Mountaineers on Wednesday.
