NCAA Women’s Tournament First Round: West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Columbia Lions Preview
The highly anticipated NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is set to tip off, and one of the intriguing first-round matchups features the No. 6 seed West Virginia Mountaineers squaring off against the No. 11 seed Columbia Lions. This clash of styles promises an exciting contest, with both teams eager to advance in the tournament and prove their mettle on the national stage. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPNews, providing fans across the country with an opportunity to witness this compelling battle.
Mountaineers Look to Rebound After Big 12 Setback
The West Virginia Mountaineers enter the tournament with a solid 24-7 record, a testament to their strong regular season performance. However, their most recent outing left a sour taste, as they suffered a 71-65 loss to TCU in the Big 12 Tournament. This defeat served as a reminder that even the best teams can be vulnerable, and the Mountaineers will be keen to shake off that loss and refocus their energy on the NCAA Tournament.
Key to West Virginia’s success is their dynamic guard, JJ Quinerly. In the loss against TCU, Quinerly led the team with 20 points, showcasing her ability to score and create opportunities for her teammates. Her performance will be crucial in the game against Columbia, as the Mountaineers will rely on her to spark their offense and lead them to victory.
West Virginia’s overall offensive output has seen a slight dip in recent games. Over their last 10 contests, they have averaged 70.7 points per game, a decrease from their season average of 75.9 points. This decline could be attributed to tougher competition or a temporary slump, but the Mountaineers will need to rediscover their offensive rhythm if they want to make a deep run in the tournament.
Columbia Lions Ride Momentum into Tournament
The Columbia Lions, with a 24-6 record, have enjoyed a remarkable season and enter the NCAA Tournament brimming with confidence. In their most recent game, they secured a hard-fought 63-60 victory over Washington, demonstrating their ability to win close games under pressure.
Riley Weiss was the standout performer for Columbia in the win against Washington, leading the team with an impressive 24 points. Weiss’s scoring prowess and ability to deliver in crucial moments make her a key player to watch in the game against West Virginia. Her performance could be a determining factor in whether Columbia can pull off an upset.
Columbia’s offense has been consistent throughout the season, averaging 73.1 points per game. However, their recent scoring output has been slightly lower, with an average of 71.7 points per game over their last 10 contests. While this decline is not significant, the Lions will need to ensure that their offense is firing on all cylinders if they want to keep pace with West Virginia.
Key Matchup and Game Strategy
The matchup between JJ Quinerly of West Virginia and Riley Weiss of Columbia is expected to be a highlight of the game. Both players are their team’s leading scorers and will likely be tasked with guarding each other at times. The ability of each player to outduel the other could significantly impact the outcome of the game.
West Virginia will likely focus on utilizing their size and athleticism to their advantage. They may try to establish a strong presence in the paint and dominate the boards. Defensively, they will need to contain Weiss and limit her scoring opportunities.
Columbia, on the other hand, will likely rely on their perimeter shooting and ball movement to create open looks. They will need to be efficient on offense and avoid turnovers. Defensively, they will need to disrupt West Virginia’s offensive flow and prevent them from establishing a comfortable rhythm.
Prediction
This game is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams possessing the talent and determination to win. West Virginia’s size and athleticism may give them a slight advantage, but Columbia’s perimeter shooting and momentum could make them a dangerous opponent.
Ultimately, the game may come down to which team can execute their game plan more effectively and make the crucial plays down the stretch. West Virginia’s recent loss to TCU suggests they might be vulnerable, but the higher seed usually advances. West Virginia has the experience and athleticism to prevail in what could be a nail-biter.
How to Watch
For fans eager to catch this exciting first-round matchup, the game will be broadcast on ESPNews at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday. Additionally, the game will be available for streaming on Fubo, providing fans with multiple options to tune in and support their favorite team.
Conclusion
The West Virginia Mountaineers versus Columbia Lions game promises to be a thrilling contest in the opening round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. With both teams boasting impressive records and talented players, this matchup has the potential to be one of the most exciting games of the first round. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this is a game you won’t want to miss. As the tournament unfolds, this particular game offers a microcosm of the excitement and unpredictability that makes March Madness so captivating.
