The No. 24 West Virginia Mountaineers moved to 3-0 on the season following an 81-63 road victory against Georgia Tech at McCamish Pavilion on Sunday.
West Virginia dominated from the opening tip, establishing a double-digit lead in the first quarter and maintaining control throughout to remain undefeated in early November.
West Virginia Athletics reported that the Mountaineers set the tone early with a 10-2 run, ensuring Georgia Tech never held a lead or managed to force a tie during the contest. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Mountaineers had effectively neutralized the Yellow Jackets’ home-court advantage through relentless defensive pressure and a highly efficient transition game.
- Skylar Forbes Stock Rising: With a 23-point performance and contributions across the stat sheet, Forbes is a key offensive contributor for the Mountaineers.
- Defensive Efficiency Metrics: WVU’s ability to force 19 turnovers and convert those into 15 points highlights a high-ceiling defensive unit.
- Frontcourt Reliability: Khyala Ngodu’s nine points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks establish her as a rim-protection asset, providing value for defensive stops and rebounding.
The Mountaineers’ offensive strategy focused on high-percentage looks, resulting in a 48.4% shooting performance from the floor. WVU’s ball movement was a critical factor, as the team recorded 20 assists on 30 made field goals, illustrating a fluid offense that prioritized spacing and smart decision-making over forced shots.
Defensively, West Virginia utilized a disciplined approach to disrupt Georgia Tech’s rhythm. By forcing 19 turnovers, the Mountaineers kept the Yellow Jackets on their heels, effectively preventing any sustained scoring runs. The frontcourt proved particularly imposing, as evidenced by the team’s 42 points in the paint and a 37-28 advantage on the glass.
No. 24 #WVU crushes Georgia Tech in first road test https://t.co/RXKF5uozyY
Skylar Forbes paced the Mountaineers, tallying 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Her perimeter threat, highlighted by three made 3-pointers, forced the Georgia Tech defense to extend, which opened lanes for teammates like Gia Cooke, who added 20 points and three triples of her own.
The bench depth also proved vital for West Virginia. Divine Tumba provided an efficient 10-point, five-rebound spark in limited minutes, while Zahirah Walton contributed a well-rounded stat line of five points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
| Metric | West Virginia | Georgia Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Points Scored | 81 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 28 |
| Assists | 20 | N/A |
| Turnovers Forced | 19 | N/A |
| Field Goal % | 48.4% | N/A |
Following this road victory, the Mountaineers turn their attention to the upcoming Greenbrier Tipoff. The team is scheduled to face Northwestern on Friday, Nov. 13, at Colonial Hall in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on CBSSN.
This tournament appearance tests West Virginia early in the season as they look to maintain their unblemished record.