The West Virginia University women’s basketball team has hit a rough patch in their Texas road trip, suffering tough losses against two ranked opponents. The Mountaineers, ranked No. 17, faced a grueling 71-50 defeat against No. 10 TCU in Fort Worth, marking a disappointing end to their latest battle in the Big 12. This loss follows another setback earlier in the month when West Virginia fell 75-65 to No. 25 Baylor in Waco.
Entering these matchups, WVU had momentum on their side, climbing the national rankings and building a strong case for NCAA Tournament contention. However, the unforgiving road atmosphere in Texas proved too much for the Mountaineers, who struggled to find their rhythm against the aggressive defenses of both TCU and Baylor. With March approaching, these losses raise pressing questions about how the team will recover and adjust for the postseason.
Against TCU, West Virginia found themselves in an uphill battle from the start. The Horned Frogs’ suffocating defense held the Mountaineers to just 50 points, their lowest scoring output of the season. TCU dominated the rebounding battle and forced WVU into costly turnovers, preventing any chance of a comeback. Despite a valiant effort from the Mountaineers’ top scorers, the team couldn’t keep pace with the efficient shooting and defensive pressure of their opponents.
The earlier loss to Baylor followed a similar pattern, with West Virginia struggling against the Bears’ physical play. WVU managed to keep the game competitive for three quarters but faltered down the stretch as Baylor capitalized on key mistakes. The Mountaineers’ shooting woes and defensive lapses allowed the Bears to pull away late, handing WVU another frustrating road defeat.
Head coach Mark Kellogg acknowledged the challenges his team faced but remained optimistic about their ability to bounce back. “We know these road games in the Big 12 are tough, especially against teams like TCU and Baylor,” Kellogg said. “This is a learning experience for us. We have to regroup, make adjustments, and come back stronger.”
Despite the setbacks, West Virginia remains in a strong position for postseason play. With a solid overall record and a high national ranking, the Mountaineers still have an opportunity to make a deep run in the conference tournament and secure a favorable seeding for March Madness. However, these losses highlight areas that need improvement, particularly in ball control, shot selection, and defensive intensity.
The Mountaineers will now shift their focus to their upcoming schedule, where they will have a chance to rebound from their recent struggles. With key home games on the horizon, WVU will look to regain their confidence and reestablish themselves as a top contender in the Big 12. Every game moving forward will be crucial in determining their postseason fate.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Mountaineers respond. Will they use these losses as motivation to refine their game and push for a strong finish? Or will the struggles in Texas linger, threatening their hopes for a deep tournament run? The answers will unfold in the coming weeks as West Virginia fights to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.
For now, the Mountaineers must put their Texas troubles behind them and focus on what lies ahead. With the right adjustments and a renewed determination, WVU still has the potential to make noise in March. The journey is far from over, and their response to adversity will define the remainder of their season.