West Virginia Women’s Basketball Earns Championship Spot in Bahamas

NASSAU, The Bahamas – The West Virginia University women’s basketball team secured an 83-63 win over McNeese State on Monday, November 24, during the opening round of the Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship.

This victory advances the Mountaineers to the championship game, where they will face Ohio State on Wednesday. Starting guard Gia Cooke led the score with a career-high 24 points, making 6 of 9 field goals and 10 of 13 free throws.

In addition to Cooke’s performance, senior forward Kierra Wheeler achieved her first double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Overall, all five starters contributed significantly, with senior guard Sydney Shaw scoring 14 points while Jordan Thomas and Harrison added 10 each.

West Virginia opened the game aggressively, starting with a 14-0 lead. However, McNeese State closed the gap, trailing 20-17 by the end of the first quarter.

The Mountaineers regrouped in the second quarter, building their lead back to 13 points at halftime. Cooke was pivotal during this stretch, achieving 15 points by the break.

Throughout the game, West Virginia maintained a strong offensive presence, shooting 54% from the field overall, and outscoring McNeese 24-18 in the third quarter. WVU’s largest lead of 21 points came in the fourth quarter, as they recorded their fifth 20+ point win this season.

The Mountaineers are now 6-0 for the season, marking their third consecutive season of opening with six straight wins. They will play Ohio State on Wednesday, November 26, at 1:30 p.m. ET, striving for their first victory against the Buckeyes in 14 attempts.