PROVO, Utah — The BYU women’s basketball team faced a significant setback Saturday night, falling 66-53 to No. 18 West Virginia at the WVU Coliseum. Despite leading at halftime, the Cougars could not withstand the Mountaineers’ defensive pressure and debilitating turnover margin.
Head coach Amber Whiting expressed her discontent after the game, stating, “We are never going to win a game with 31 turnovers.” This mark reflects the Cougars’ struggles, as it was the second-most turnovers recorded since 2002, contributing to 33 points scored by West Virginia from those mistakes.
BYU started strong, controlling much of the first half and entering the break with a narrow two-point lead. The Cougars managed to shoot 47.7% from the field, but this offensive efficiency was undermined by the overwhelming defensive pressure enforced by the Mountaineers.
West Virginia capitalized on BYU’s turnovers effectively; the Mountaineers had 31 takeaways compared to only 8 by the Cougars. This disparity allowed them to take 28 extra shot attempts during the game, which proved pivotal.
Kemery Congdon was the standout performer for BYU, scoring a season-high 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 4-for-4 from three-point territory. She was complemented by Emma Calvert, who notched 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for her third career double-double. Amari Whiting also contributed, finishing the game with 10 points, along with seven rebounds.
Despite the loss, BYU held their ground initially, displaying impressive offensive strategies. Early on, they demonstrated resilience and teamwork, leading to their halftime advantage. But it was the relentless pursuit and cutthroat defense from West Virginia, particularly from their standout player JJ Quinerly, who scored 19 points, which shifted the momentum.
Quinerly's performance marked her 14th consecutive game scoring in double figures, solidifying her position as an offensive leader. “JJ Quinerly scored in double figures (19) for the 14th time in as many games this season,” noted the West Virginia coverage. Her contributions, paired with the undeterred team effort from senior Kyah Watson, who nearly posted a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds, were central to West Virginia's success.
The game took a decisive turn early in the third quarter. After BYU initially tied the game at 34, the Mountaineers regained control, taking the lead and pulling away to establish their dominance. BYU struggled to respond, with their last four minutes of the third quarter resulting in just one made field goal, as West Virginia extended their lead significantly.
The Mountaineers maintained their lead throughout the fourth quarter, growing it to as much as 15 points at one point, showcasing their shift from trailing at halftime to dominating the final stretches. “West Virginia did their thing, they turn people over, and that's what we did tonight,” reflected Whiting on the turnovers, which crippled any hope of mounting a successful comeback.
Both teams showcased areas of strength, but the glaring issue for BYU was their inability to protect the ball and limit turnovers. By halftime, they led 30-28, but the second half revealed the vulnerabilities of the young team under intense Big 12 competition.
Looking at statistics, the Cougars recorded impressive field goals and held their own on the boards, out-rebounding West Virginia 40 to 36. Yet, their failure to prevent transition points off turnovers was pivotal and left them chasing the game. The loss signified BYU's third defeat within the Big 12 Conference, positioning them at 2-3 this season.
Despite the loss, this experience may serve as beneficial growth for the BYU players as they prepare for upcoming challenges. The Mountaineers, now positioning themselves well within conference play, have improved their record to 2-0 against BYU overall, underscoring the competitive nature of women's collegiate basketball.
Looking forward, BYU will need to refine their gameplay and approach, focusing on minimizing turnovers and enhancing their defensive strategies as they prepare for their next opponent. West Virginia, on the other hand, continues its quest for success, heading on the road for their upcoming games with renewed momentum and confidence.
Both teams are expected to engage fiercely as they navigate through the season, with BYU seeking redemption and West Virginia aiming to sustain its momentum.