MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia women’s basketball team looks to keep its momentum rolling Tuesday night as the Mountaineers welcome the undefeated Temple Owls to the WVU Coliseum.
The Mountaineers have opened the season dominantly, outscoring opponents by an average of 38.5 points per game and holding teams to just 47 points. The story for WVU so far this season has been its defense, which forces 31.5 turnovers per game and averages 17.5 steals. A press-heavy approach has helped West Virginia stay in control from start to finish, earning double-digit wins over Purdue Fort Wayne and Kent State.
Junior guard Sydney Shaw has set the tone offensively for the Mountaineers, averaging 17 points per game while shooting 55 percent from the floor and 58 percent from 3-point range. She has also been perfect from the free-throw line, going 5-for-5 through two games. Senior forward Kierra Wheeler has provided balance inside, averaging 15.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting better than 50 percent from the field. Sophomore guard Jordan Harrison adds 14 points and six assists per game, giving the Mountaineers a dependable offensive trio in Shaw, Wheeler and Harrison.
Although West Virginia has been impressive, Temple will bring plenty of firepower into Morgantown. The Owls are averaging 90 points per game and shooting nearly 46 percent from the field. Tristen Taylor leads the team with 15 points per game, while Jaleesa Molina, Kaylah Turner and Drew Alexander also average double figures. Forward Saniyah Craig anchors the frontcourt with 11 points and 13.5 rebounds per contest.
Both teams have dominated the boards early this season. Temple holds a plus-10.5 rebound margin, while WVU is at plus-12. That battle could prove decisive Tuesday night. Temple will also look to challenge the Mountaineers’ defensive pressure, averaging 17.5 assists per game and connecting on 44 percent of its 3-point attempts.
West Virginia will look to protect its home court once again in front of Mountaineer Nation at the Hope Coliseum.
U92 The Moose will provide live coverage, with U92 Sports Director Quinn Robie on play-by-play and Brett Berner as color analyst. Pregame, halftime and postgame coverage will be hosted by John Doucette, Conor Bratchford and Logan Powell.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the WVU Coliseum. The broadcast can be heard locally on 91.7 FM, online at u92themoose.com, on Alexa-enabled devices and via the TuneIn app.