No. 19 West Virginia Dominates Oklahoma State, Clinches Top 4 Big 12 Tournament Seed

Morgantown, WV – The No. 19 West Virginia Mountaineers delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Oklahoma State Cowgirls 72-40 on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The victory secures a top-four seed for West Virginia in the upcoming Big 12 Tournament.

Mountaineers’ Defense Shines

West Virginia’s defense, which leads the Big 12 in turnovers forced (631) and limits opponents to an average of 59 points per game, proved too much for Oklahoma State. The Cowgirls managed a season-low 40 points and struggled with the Mountaineers’ relentless pressure.

Offensive Efficiency Fuels WVU Victory

The Mountaineers shot 51% from the field and 40% from three-point range, capitalizing on turnovers and dominating the paint. Oklahoma State, hampered by the absence of key ball-handler Jadyn Wooten, shot a season-low 24% (15-of-65) from the field and just 19% from beyond the arc.

Key Performances

Gia Cooke led West Virginia with 21 points, knocking down five three-pointers. Meme Wheeler contributed a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. For Oklahoma State, Stailee Heard led the team with 13 points, setting a new program record with her 272nd career three-pointer, though it came in the losing effort. Micah Gray, Oklahoma State’s leading scorer, was held to just 3 points on 1-of-14 shooting.

Game Breakdown

West Virginia started strong with an 8-0 run, fueled by early three-pointers and steals. The Mountaineers’ full-court press disrupted Oklahoma State’s offense, leading to 16 turnovers that resulted in 17 points for WVU. A 12-0 run in the second quarter extended West Virginia’s lead to 49-23 at halftime. The third quarter saw sluggish offense from both teams, but West Virginia maintained a commanding lead, extending it to 34 points by the end of the period. The fourth quarter was largely a formality, with West Virginia securing the 72-40 victory.

Tournament Implications

With the win, West Virginia improves to 22-6 overall and 12-4 in Big 12 play, clinching a top-four seed in the conference tournament. Oklahoma State falls to 21-8 overall and 10-6 in the Big 12. The Cowgirls will face Iowa State in their next game on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Key Takeaways

• West Virginia’s defense continues to be a dominant force in the Big 12.
• Oklahoma State struggled significantly without a key playmaker in Jadyn Wooten.
• Gia Cooke and Meme Wheeler provided significant offensive contributions for the Mountaineers.
• West Virginia has secured a favorable seed in the Big 12 Tournament.

Source: The Dominion Post, YouTube, Sports Illustrated