WVU Dominates Miami (OH) 82-54 in NCAA Tourney

Mountaineers Cruise Past RedHawks in NCAA Opener

Morgantown, WV – The energy in Hope Coliseum was electric as the West Virginia Mountaineers, fresh off their Big 12 tournament championship, hosted the Miami (OH) RedHawks in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. In a dominant performance, the Mountaineers secured a decisive 82-54 victory, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and advancing to face Kentucky next.

Home Court Advantage Fuels Mountaineers

Fans lined up hours before tip-off for a sold-out crowd, eager to cheer on their No. 4 seed Mountaineers. This marked the first time West Virginia has hosted a tournament game since 1992, and they made sure to put on a show for the adoring fans. The RedHawks, who earned their spot by winning the MAC tournament championship, entered the game as an upset-minded team. However, West Virginia’s defense, a hallmark of their season allowing just 58 points per game, proved too much to handle.

Defense Fuels Offensive Surge

From the start, it was clear this would be a defensive battle, with both teams known for their stingy play. West Virginia, not a team known for towering players, relies on quickness and ball movement. Guard Jordan Harrison set the tone early, using her speed to penetrate the defense. Miami’s offense, which relies on ball sharing and finding open shooters like Sydney Shaw, struggled to find its rhythm against West Virginia’s pressure.

After an early three-pointer from Sydney Shaw put Miami ahead, the Mountaineers responded with ferocity. A key deflection led to the first turnover of the game, and it was quickly followed by a steal and a three-pointer from Horho, tying the game. Mimi Wheeler then took over, blocking a shot inside with authority and later driving through defenders for a layup, showcasing the Mountaineers’ ability to transition from defense to offense. This sparked an 11-0 run for West Virginia, fueled by three straight turnovers from Miami. Jordan Harrison was instrumental during this surge, scoring on drives and capitalizing on the disrupted Miami offense.

Wheeler and Harrison Lead the Charge

The Mountaineers employed a variety of presses, including a disruptive full-court press that forced numerous Miami miscues. Wheeler was a constant threat, scoring on a coast-to-coast layup after a steal. Gia Cook also contributed significantly, draining crucial three-pointers that extended West Virginia’s lead. By halftime, Miami had committed 10 turnovers, a testament to West Virginia’s relentless defensive effort.

The second half saw West Virginia continue to control the tempo. Singer made crucial plays for Miami, including a basket after a nice drive, but the RedHawks couldn’t overcome the deficit. Harrison continued to hit big shots, including a straight-away three-pointer. While Miami fought back with plays from players like Sydney Shaw, who drew an and-one, and Amber Scalia, who finally hit her first field goal of the game, West Virginia’s consistent scoring and suffocating defense kept them in command.

A New NCAA Experience for Both Teams

For the Miami RedHawks, this marked their first-ever NCAA Tournament game. Players like senior Amber Scalia, who transferred to play in this system, saw her collegiate career come to a close in the tournament. Macy Taylor also got an opportunity to score in the tournament, a milestone for the program. The RedHawks showed flashes of their potential, but the experience and execution of West Virginia proved to be the difference.

Looking Ahead

With the commanding 82-54 victory, West Virginia advances to the next round where they are set to face Kentucky. The Mountaineers’ performance, marked by strong defense, balanced scoring, and a raucous home crowd, showcased why they are a formidable force in the NCAA Tournament. The fans in Morgantown showed their immense appreciation for the team’s effort, with the entire stadium on their feet cheering them on to victory.

Source: Round of 64 Highlights: Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. West Virginia Mountaineers | NCAA Tournament (YouTube)