The West Virginia women’s basketball team is back in action on Saturday, Jan. 27 as it hosts the Iowa State Cyclones at 2 p.m.
The Mountaineers jumped back into the AP Poll as they were ranked #24. After shutting out Houston and Cincinnati, WVU became the first Division I team ever to shut out an opponent for a full quarter in back-to-back games.
WVU currently has a record of 16-2, while the Cyclones travel into Morgantown with a 12-6 record. West Virginia is led by JJ Quinerly who averages 18.5 points and 3.3 steals, while Iowa State is paced by center Audi Crooks who leads the way with 17 points and 6.9 rebounds.
The Mountaineers have excelled defensively this season as they lead the country in steals per game with 14.8 per outing. The strong performances defensively have translated into fast-break points as WVU excels in transition.
Both teams battled on Wednesday, Jan. 10 where the Cyclones got the best of the Mountaineers, 74-64. WVU led most of the game before Iowa State went on a big run in the fourth quarter, outsourcing them 27-9. This handed WVU its second loss straight after getting defeated by Texas at home.
Iowa State finished with an impressive win over No. 4 Baylor on Saturday, Jan. 13, with a score of 66-63. Both teams have a high-powering offense so this could very well be a high-scoring game that comes down to free throws in the fourth quarter.
As both teams are in the middle of Big-12 play, Saturday’s contest could have big implications on seeding for the conference tournament in early March. This will be the final time both teams meet this season.
Saturday’s game will be broadcasted on u92themoose.com and 91.7 WWVU FM Morgantown with pregame starting at 1:30 p.m. Tanner Mountz and Cam Scott will call the game from the Coliseum.
Photo Credit: WVU Athletics