Hailey
The West Virginia University (WVU) women’s basketball team pulled off a hard-fought 60-58 road win over Kansas State after scoring a late go-ahead basket in the final seconds.
The intense Big 12 matchup was played on January 4, 2026, at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas, in front of a loud home crowd.
With this win, WVU improved to 13-2 overall and 3-0 in Big 12 play, staying unbeaten in conference action. Kansas State dropped to 8-8 overall and 1-2 in the Big 12, despite leading for long stretches of the game.
Key Game Information
| Category | WVU | Kansas State |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 60 | 58 |
| Overall Record | 13-2 | 8-8 |
| Big 12 Record | 3-0 | 1-2 |
| Halftime Score | 28 | 31 |
| Top Scorer | Kierra Wheeler – 18 pts | Tess Heal – 16 pts |
| Double-Doubles | Wheeler (18 pts, 10 reb) | None |
| Venue | Bramlage Coliseum | Bramlage Coliseum |
First Half Struggles For WVU
Kansas State controlled the early pace by applying strong defensive pressure. WVU struggled with ball security and committed multiple turnovers in the first quarter, allowing the Wildcats to take a narrow 12-11 lead after one period.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Kansas State continued to capitalize on WVU mistakes and went into halftime with a 31-28 advantage.
WVU’s offense relied heavily on interior scoring, but turnovers prevented the Mountaineers from building any momentum before the break.
Third Quarter Turnaround
The game shifted dramatically in the third quarter. WVU came out with improved defensive intensity and executed better on offense. The Mountaineers outscored Kansas State 17-10 in the third, using a strong 11-2 run late in the quarter to take control.
Kierra Wheeler was dominant during this stretch, attacking the paint and cleaning the glass. Carter McCray also played a major role by scoring inside and helping WVU win key rebounding battles.
Late Drama And The Go-Ahead Basket
The fourth quarter delivered nonstop tension. WVU briefly pushed its lead to seven points, but Kansas State answered with an 8-0 run to regain the lead midway through the period.
In the final minute, with the score tied, Gia Cooke made the biggest play of the night. She grabbed an offensive rebound and scored a putback with 19 seconds remaining, giving WVU a 58-56 lead.
Kansas State missed on its next possession, and Jordan Harrison calmly knocked down two clutch free throws to extend the lead to four.
A last-second basket by Kansas State made the final score 60-58, but the Mountaineers had already secured the win.
Key Performances That Made The Difference
- Kierra Wheeler led WVU with 18 points and 10 rebounds, recording a double-double and controlling the paint.
- Carter McCray added 15 points and eight rebounds, providing consistent inside scoring.
- Gia Cooke finished with 12 points, including the crucial late basket.
Kansas State was led by Tess Heal (16 points) and Nastja Claessens (13 points), while Jordan Speiser chipped in 12 points.
This game was a true test of toughness for WVU. Despite committing over 20 turnovers and facing constant pressure, the Mountaineers stayed composed when it mattered most. Strong rebounding, interior scoring, and late-game execution proved decisive.
The late go-ahead basket and clutch free throws sealed a valuable road win and kept WVU perfect in Big 12 play, sending a strong message to the rest of the conference.