West Virginia dominates Boise State with 82-47 win in Gulf Coast Showcase

In a decisive matchup at the Gulf Coast Showcase held in Estero, Florida, the No. 12 ranked West Virginia women's basketball team faced off against Boise State, handing them their first loss of the season. On Saturday, November 30, 2024, Sydney Shaw led West Virginia with an impressive performance, scoring 20 points, including four three-pointers. JJ Quinerly contributed significantly with 14 points and three steals, focusing on their rigorous defense which has been a hallmark of their strategy this season. The Mountaineers showcased their ability to control the game, forcing Boise State into 20 turnovers, reflecting West Virginia's consistent performance of causing high turnovers in their matches this year. In this game, West Virginia's dominance was evident from the first quarter, where they initiated two separate 10-0 runs to establish a 16-point lead. Boise State struggled offensively, scoring only six points each in the first and third quarters, which severely hampered their ability to compete. By halftime, the score was 45-23 in favor of West Virginia, setting the tone for the second half. Quinerly began the third quarter impressively, contributing to a 9-0 run that expanded their lead to 32 points. The team's ability to maintain a substantial advantage throughout the game solidified their position as serious contenders in the tournament. Freshman Jordan Thomas also contributed to the Mountaineers' victory, adding 10 points and six rebounds to the scoreline. Meanwhile, Boise State had limited offensive output, with Elodie Lalotte and Teryn Gardner scoring 11 and 10 points respectively, but their efforts were not enough to change the course of the game. This loss left Boise State at 7-1 for the season, shifting their focus to the third-place game in the tournament, while West Virginia advanced to the championship. This match was also a continuation of a strong start for West Virginia, which has now begun the season 8-0 for the second consecutive year, following an 11-0 record the previous season. The Mountaineers had started their tournament with an emphatic 89-54 victory over High Point, where they also showed their prowess by forcing 22 turnovers. Overall, the game against Boise State not only demonstrated West Virginia’s powerful offensive and defensive capabilities but also set up an exciting opportunity for them to compete in the championship game of the Gulf Coast Showcase the following day. As the Mountaineers continue their momentum, they look to extend their winning streak, while Boise State must regroup quickly to salvage a respectable finish in this tournament.