In a thrilling NCAA women’s basketball matchup, West Virginia achieved an impressive 57-49 victory over the 15th-ranked Duke Blue Devils, despite significant adversity. The game, held at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, took a dramatic turn when Blue Devils’ Jordan Wood and Mountaineers’ Jordan Harrison were ejected after a scuffle late in the first half. In a unprecedented move, West Virginia also lost six players from its bench, forcing the team to continue the game with just five athletes.
These five players, humorously dubbed “The Greenbrier Five” by the West Virginia women’s basketball social media accounts, displayed remarkable resilience in their challenging situation. The only remaining starter, Sydney Shaw, led the charge with 16 points, while freshman Celia Riviere, who had limited playing time in the first half, made a significant impact by contributing 12 points and eight rebounds.
The Mountaineers’ victory marks a standout achievement, as it is the only win by an unranked team over a ranked opponent in the early weeks of the season. This triumph raises questions about the implications for the Associated Press Top 25 rankings. As the team celebrates this historic win, they await the results to find out if they will officially enter the rankings.
Meanwhile, the UConn Huskies are maintaining their dominance in women’s basketball, rolling to victories over Loyola-Chicago and Ohio State and likely holding onto the No. 1 spot in the rankings. Star player Sarah Strong had an outstanding performance against Ohio State, scoring 29 points and contributing significantly in rebounds and assists.
As the season progresses, both the Mountaineers and Huskies are set to make headlines. The rollercoaster of emotions experienced within the West Virginia game demonstrates the unpredictability and excitement that college basketball brings, promising more thrilling encounters ahead. With teams consistently fighting for recognition and rankings, the landscape of women’s college basketball is more dynamic than ever.