In a surprising turn of events, the entire bench of the West Virginia women’s basketball team was ejected during their game against No. 15 Duke. This left the Mountaineers with only five players for the rest of the match.
The incident unfolded just before halftime. As Duke’s Jordan Wood blocked a shot from West Virginia’s Jordan Harrison, tensions flared. Both players exchanged shoves and were ejected for fighting. When five Mountaineers left the bench to join the fray, they, too, were automatically ejected, thanks to game rules.
After losing their bench, West Virginia was down by three points at halftime, trailing Duke 23-20. But instead of faltering, they surged ahead in the third quarter, scoring 24 points and taking a 44-32 lead into the final period.
Despite facing challenges in the fourth quarter, including foul trouble for key player Celia Riviere, West Virginia held on to win 57-49. Remarkably, they played the entire second half without any substitutions.
Sydney Shaw, West Virginia’s top scorer, played a crucial role with her steady performance. She came into the game averaging 16.7 points and 7.7 rebounds over the season. Alongside her, the remaining players included Woodley, Makalusky, Johnson, and Riviere. Each player brought unique contributions to the game, showcasing teamwork under pressure.
As for Duke, the loss marked a setback after their earlier wins against Holy Cross and Norfolk State. Wood’s ejection was significant, as she averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds per game.
This game has ignited discussions on social media, with fans expressing disbelief over the ejections and praising West Virginia’s grit. Many are comparing this incident to past memorable moments in women’s sports where teams displayed resilience under difficult circumstances.
According to a recent survey by the NCAA, 63% of fans believe that women’s sports deserve equal attention in media coverage. Matches like this highlight the thrilling nature of women’s basketball and the need for more focus on their achievements.
This dramatic game serves as a testament to West Virginia’s determination and a reminder that sports can be unpredictable, unfolding in unexpected ways.
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