West Virginia looked dominant, securing a decisive 78-59 win over Columbia in their latest matchup. The Mountaineers (25-7) displayed balance with their offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity, dominating the Columbia Lions (24-7) in a game that was never in doubt. From the tip, WVU’s impressive shooting and physicality proved too much for Columbia, who struggled to find any sustained offensive effectiveness. Read West Virginia Dominates Columbia, Securing 78-59 Victory.
Hot Start
The Mountaineers came out firing on all cylinders in the first half, putting together an exceptional performance that set the tone for the rest of the game. With efficient shooting from the floor, WVU shot 71.4% (10-14) from the field in the opening period, including 50% (2-4) from beyond the arc.
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By halftime, they had built a comfortable 46-29 lead, powered by balanced scoring and strong team play. Leading the charge was senior guard Jordan Harrison, who put together an exceptional first half, scoring 15 of her 23 points on 6-9 shooting.
Balanced Scoring and Depth
WVU’s depth was a key factor in their success throughout the game. In addition to Harrison’s standout performance, several other Mountaineers contributed in significant ways. JJ Quinerly was a key contributor, scoring 27 points, with 9 field goals made on 19 attempts. Quinerly’s aggressive play and ability to finish around the basket created several opportunities for West Virginia. JJ Quinerly scored her 2000th point in the contest. Jordan Thomas also had a solid outing, chipping in 12 points and contributing valuable minutes off the bench.
West Virginia Defense Stifles Columbia
Columbia had no answers for West Virginia’s physical play and offensive efficiency. Their shooting woes were evident throughout the game, finishing with a 38.2% shooting percentage (21-55), well below WVU’s 53.6% (30-56). They also struggled with their three-point shooting, converting just 9 of 22 attempts for a 40.9% mark. In contrast, West Virginia was more selective and efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 25% (4-16), but they did not rely heavily on three-point shooting, instead focusing on getting to the basket and getting to the line.
Another problem for Columbia was their inability to protect the ball. The Lions committed 28 turnovers, which led to numerous fast-break opportunities for the Mountaineers. WVU scored 10 fast-break points, easily converting turnovers into easy baskets. On the other hand, Columbia was only able to score 3 fast-break points, which further highlighted the Mountaineers’ dominance in transition.
The Lion’s key players, including Cecelia Collins, who scored 16 points, and Kitty Henderson, who added 13, had strong individual performances, but they couldn’t overcome the team-wide effort from West Virginia. Henderson’s ability to grab 9 rebounds and score 13 points was impressive, but it was not enough to spark a meaningful comeback.
Key Stats and Takeaways
While West Virginia’s shooting and offensive efficiency stood out, their defense was equally effective. The Mountaineers forced Columbia into a staggering 28 turnovers, leading to a total of 19 points off turnovers. They also did a solid job limiting Columbia’s second-chance opportunities, holding the Lions to just 14 points in the paint and 14 second-chance points.
The standout individual performances from WVU’s Jordan Harrison and JJ Quinerly will be remembered, but the team effort from top to bottom ensured this victory. Sydney Shaw and Kyah Watson also contributed in important moments, helping the Mountaineers finish the game strong.
What’s Next
West Virginia is set to take on North Carolina in a March Madness showdown. North Carolina has played great team defense on the year holding teams to 57.9 points per game on 36% shooting from the field. West Virginia averages 75.9 points per game on 45.2% from the field. This matchup should be interesting with the battle of high-powered offenses and defense from both opponents.
West Virginia Dominates Columbia, Securing 78-59 Victory
