MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A season filled with grit, resilience, and high-octane performances has led the West Virginia University women’s basketball team (24-7) to the grand stage of college basketball—March Madness. Now, the Mountaineers are set to open their NCAA Tournament run against Ivy League contender Columbia on Saturday, March 22, at Carmichael Arena in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET, and there’s far more on the line than just a first-round win.
This isn’t just another game—it’s a battle between two very different basketball worlds. WVU, a program steeped in Big 12 competition, enters as a heavy favorite against a Columbia team making history with its NCAA Tournament appearance. But in March, upsets aren’t just possible—they’re expected. The Mountaineers know they can’t take anything for granted. Columbia comes in hungry, with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
WVU has been dominant this season, finishing with an impressive 24-7 record, including statement wins that turned heads nationally. Yet, despite the success, the Mountaineers remain overlooked in the national conversation—something Head Coach Mark Kellogg is using as fuel. In his first season at the helm, Kellogg has revitalized the team with a fast-paced, defense-first mentality that has overwhelmed opponents all year. They rank among the nation’s leaders in forced turnovers and steals, a hallmark of Kellogg’s pressure-heavy system.
But the real shock lies in how quickly the program has transformed. Just a year ago, WVU faced questions about its direction. Now, they’re not just in the tournament—they’re a threat to make serious noise. The players know it too.
“We’ve been doubted all season,” said junior guard JJ Quinerly, the team’s leading scorer. “Now we’re here, and we’re not just happy to be part of the tournament. We came to win.”
Quinerly has been electric, averaging over 18 points per game and delivering clutch performances that have elevated WVU’s profile. Alongside her, senior forward Kyah Watson has become the team’s emotional leader, providing defense, hustle, and experience in tight games. With a balanced roster and a chip on their shoulder, this Mountaineers squad is dangerous.
Still, Columbia isn’t coming in quietly. Led by Ivy League Player of the Year Abbey Hsu, the Lions bring an explosive offense that thrives on ball movement and perimeter shooting. Their underdog status makes them unpredictable—and dangerous. WVU will need to stay locked in defensively to avoid an early exit.
Perhaps the most shocking stat? This is only the second time in school history Columbia has earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament—making them desperate to make history. WVU, on the other hand, is in familiar territory, but the pressure is mounting. Anything less than a Sweet 16 appearance could be viewed as a missed opportunity.
Saturday’s game is more than just a first-round matchup. It’s a litmus test for WVU’s championship potential, a showcase of what the new era under Kellogg could become. It’s also a chance to silence doubters and finally grab the national spotlight they’ve earned.
One thing’s certain—when the ball tips at 2 p.m., expect fireworks.
