West Virginia Holds Off Rhode Island in Opener

No. 24 West Virginia opened its season with a 68-64 win over Rhode Island in Morgantown on November 3, extending its streak of season-opening victories to 13. Gia Cooke led all players with a career-best 28 points, along with three assists and two steals. Zahirah Walton added 12 points for the Mountaineers, who were playing with two returning players and 10 newcomers after winning last season’s Big 12 Tournament.

Rhode Island moved ahead 19-12 in the first quarter, aided by three-point shooting, but West Virginia chipped away to trail 24-22. The Mountaineers then limited the Rams to six points in the second quarter, taking a 39-30 halftime advantage. Cooke had 16 points by the break.

West Virginia stretched its lead to 17 in the fourth quarter, but Rhode Island rallied with a 10-0 run as the Mountaineers struggled to score. Cooke answered with a three-pointer, while Delani Hill’s seventh three of the game helped bring the Rams within four. Hill finished with 26 points. Alex Newson scored 12 and hit a late three, and Rhode Island had another chance after a West Virginia inbound turnover, but missed a three at the buzzer.

Rhode Island, whose coach Colleen Mullen made her debut, is scheduled to host Columbia on Friday. West Virginia is set to host George Washington on Thursday.