Offensive Woes Hamper Mountaineers
February 07, 2015 06:28 PM | General
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
AMES, Iowa - The West Virginia University women’s basketball team encountered a tough shooting night in a 61-43 loss to Iowa State on Saturday at the Hilton Coliseum.
A back-and-forth affair saw nine lead changes in the first half as both teams vied to take the lead. West Virginia (14-9, 4-7 Big 12) held a 15-12 edge midway through the opening stanza. Iowa State (15-7, 6-5 Big 12) went on an eight-point run to take a lead the Cyclones would never relinquish. WVU came back to cut the score to one, 21-20, late in the first half. However, a strong 11-0 run that occurred in both halves helped ISU secure its sixth league victory.
Jessica Morton led West Virginia with 14 points. Bria Holmes made 5-of-7 field goals and finished the night with 13 points. Holmes grabbed six boards and handed out two assists in the loss.
West Virginia was held to a season-lows in points (43) and field goal percentage (29.3). The Mountaineers went 17-of-58 from the field (29.3 percent) and hit just four out of 15 triples for 23.5 percent. Iowa State completed the evening with a 39.3 shooting percentage (18-of-46) and made eight three-pointers in the game. WVU narrowly won the rebound column, 39-38, and outscored ISU 19-12 on turnovers. WVU sophomore Lanay Montgomery finished with a game-high 11 rebounds.
“When we got frustrated hitting our shots, it affected our defense,” said coach Mike Carey. “It just kept going. If you look at our shooting percentages, 29 (overall), 23 (three-point) and 50 percent at the foul line. That’s probably why you’re going to score 43 points.”
The first half saw nine lead changes, as both teams went back-and-forth. WVU held a 15-12 lead thanks to a bucket from Morton. However, Iowa State would proceed on an eight-point run to take a 20-15 lead. Morton’s triple at 1:47 ended a six-minute field goal drought and cut the contest to one.
Iowa State closed out the half with four points to take a 25-20 lead into the locker room. WVU shot just 24.1 percent (7-of-29), while ISU knocked down 41.7 percent (10-of-24). WVU scored 12 points off 10 ISU turnovers. Holmes led WVU with six points, while Fallon Ellis tied a career-high with 11 points.
Iowa State opened the second half on an 11-0 run. The Cyclones continued to capitalize on West Virginia’s poor shooting night, as the Mountaineers were held scoreless for the first six-plus minutes to open the half.
The Mountaineers gradually pulled back in the second half and cut the deficit to 14. However, Iowa State was able to push their advantage back to 20 with three minutes remaining. Guard Nikki Moody led ISU with 14 points. Seanna Johnson registered a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Cyclones.
West Virginia has a quick turnaround when the Mountaineers host Kansas on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET and the game will air regionally on ROOT SPORTS Pittsburgh.
NOTES:
Linda Stepney made her 116th start on Saturday, passing Kate Bulger for fifth all-time at WVU … WVU is now 1-8 when trailing at the half ... Averee Fields matches a career-high with four steals … WVU falls to 2-1 at the Hilton Coliseum and now leads the series 4-2 all-time … WVU’s field goal percentage of 29.3 and 43 points are the lowest of the season.
Linda Stepney made her 116th start on Saturday, passing Kate Bulger for fifth all-time at WVU … WVU is now 1-8 when trailing at the half ... Averee Fields matches a career-high with four steals … WVU falls to 2-1 at the Hilton Coliseum and now leads the series 4-2 all-time … WVU’s field goal percentage of 29.3 and 43 points are the lowest of the season.
2026 Mountaineer Invitational Preview
Thursday, April 09
Nate Gabriel | April 8
Thursday, April 09
Coach Rich Rodriguez | April 8
Thursday, April 09
Coach Rod West | April 8
Thursday, April 09
