The West Virginia University women’s basketball team (11-2, 1-0) opened Big 12 play in dominant fashion, rolling past Houston 101-46 at the WVU Coliseum on Sunday afternoon. The Mountaineers came out firing, dropping seven points and forcing Houston (6-6, 0-1) into a timeout not even two minutes into the first quarter. The first conference game of the season led to a statement win for the Mountaineers. Read more: WVU women’s basketball records first conference win against Houston.
Early plays
From the jump, WVU controlled the pace. The Mountaineers turned early pressure into a 27-11 first-quarter lead and built on that advantage throughout the night. By halftime, West Virginia’s lead extended as the Cougars struggled to keep pace offensively against a balanced Mountaineer attack.
West Virginia’s pressure defense disrupted Houston’s offensive rhythm early. The Mountaineers capitalized on transition, creating separation quickly and never allowing the Cougars to establish a consistent flow.
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Offensive looks
West Virginia shot 51 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range, highlighted by Riley Makalusky’s efficient night as she went 5-of-6 from beyond the arc.
The Mountaineers also dominated the paint with more rebounds (40 to Houston’s 25) and turned Houston turnovers into easy points throughout the game.
Sydney Shaw led the scoring charge for WVU with 22 points, bringing momentum to the court. She was only one point shy of tying her career high in points. Gia Cooke followed closely behind with 17 points and 22 minutes on the court. Carter McCray and Kierra Wheeler recorded seven and six rebounds, respectively.
The bench also played a key role in the Mountaineers’ success at the Hope Coliseum. West Virginia’s depth was on full display, with six players finishing in double figures and the rotation maintaining energy on both ends of the floor.
Defensive plays
West Virginia’s defense stood out early and often. Houston finished with 36 turnovers, a number that the Mountaineers’ defense capitalized on repeatedly with fast transition and second chances.
WVU’s active hands and pressure on the ball led to steals across the lineup. This kept the Cougars on their heels for all four quarters. The defensive effort fueled the Mountaineers’ tempo, allowing the bench to stay aggressive with no drop in intensity.
Big 12 victory
By the final whistle, the Mountaineers had secured their first Big 12 win. From shooting and defense to rebounding and ball security, the Mountaineers were consistent all around. With this performance, West Virginia improved to 11-2 overall and 1-0 in Big 12 play, while Houston dropped to 6-6 and 0-1 in league action.
Not only was this Houston’s first Big 12 loss, but it was the Cougars’ second-lowest scoring outing of the season and their biggest loss of the season.
Coach Kellogg was happy with the Mountaineers’ performance against Houston, specifically noting the defensive pressure that they found success with.
“It’s been a good first semester for us,” Kellogg said. “I feel like we’ve gotten better, and we’re getting better. I’m excited to see where this team goes.”
What’s next?
Following the Mountaineers’ dominant home victory over Houston, WVU will travel to Lawrence, Kansas to take on the Kansas Jayhawks on January 1st.
West Virginia is currently on a five-game win streak going into the new year. For more on WVU sports, stay up to date with WVSportsNation.
