West Virginia women overpower Oklahoma State 72-40, led by Gia Cooke’s 21 points

West Virginia Women’s Basketball Triumphs Over Oklahoma State

In a decisive victory on Saturday, the No. 19 ranked West Virginia women’s basketball team triumphed over Oklahoma State with a convincing score of 72-40 in Morgantown. The Mountaineers showcased a dominant performance, led by Gia Cooke, who netted 21 points, while Kierra Wheeler contributed significantly with 18 points and 10 rebounds, marking her seventh double-double of the season. Jordan Harrison also played a crucial role, scoring 12 points to aid the Mountaineers’ offensive efforts.

Game Highlights

West Virginia exhibited impressive shooting skills throughout the game, connecting on 51% of their shots (29 of 57), in stark contrast to Oklahoma State, who struggled with a mere 23% from the field. The Cowgirls, now sitting at 21-8 (10-6 Big 12), were held in check by the Mountaineers’ defense, with Stailee Heard emerging as the leading scorer for Oklahoma State with 13 points.

From the outset, West Virginia took control, starting the match with an 8-0 run and quickly building a significant lead. By the end of the first quarter, they were already ahead by a comfortable margin. The Mountaineers dominated the second quarter, going on an impressive 18-2 scoring run, including a spurt that saw them end the half with 12 consecutive points, leading 49-23 at the break. They continued their momentum into the third quarter, starting with another six unanswered points, extending their overall scoring run to 24-2.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, West Virginia will face UCF in their next game on Wednesday, while Oklahoma State will visit Iowa State also on Wednesday. This win bolsters West Virginia’s record to 22-6 overall and 12-4 within the Big 12 Conference, solidifying their position as a strong contender in women’s college basketball this season.