West Virginia Women’s basketball Upsets Duke Despite Mass Ejections Following On-Court Scuffle
DURHAM, N.C. – The West Virginia Mountaineers secured a stunning upset victory over Duke on Friday, defeating the Blue Devils 73-65 despite being reduced to just five available players after a bench-clearing scuffle led to seven ejections. The incident occurred after a contested play at the end of the first half.
Duke forward Jordan Wood blocked a 3-point attempt by West Virginia guard Jordan Harrison as time expired, and appeared to taunt Harrison afterward. Harrison responded by pushing Wood, sparking a physical altercation involving both teams.
Officials assessed Flagrant 2 fouls – resulting in immediate ejection – to both Wood and Harrison for fighting. Duke’s Ashlon Jackson and Ari Roberson received Flagrant 1 fouls and were also ejected. Critically, the entire West Virginia bench – including starters Jordan Thomas, kierra Wheeler, and Gia Cooke, along with Carter McCray and Madison Parrish – were ejected for leaving the bench during the scuffle.
Facing a significant disadvantage for the entire second half, West Virginia rallied. They outscored Duke 24-9 in the third quarter and built a lead of as many as 15 points with 4:33 remaining, all without making any substitutions. Duke mounted a late comeback, closing the gap to four points with 0:37 left on the clock, but West Virginia’s Sydney Shaw sealed the victory with four clutch free throws.
“Disappointed in the ending of the half. I think we are better than that, we are going to learn a huge lesson,” West Virginia head coach Mark Kellogg said after the win. “But I think we’ve seen it in sports where things like that happen and you rally together. … I’m so proud of that group of five. I’m proud of the whole team. … That’s as good of a win as I’ve probably had.”
Shaw, the lone remaining starter, played 38 minutes and led the Mountaineers with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. West Virginia improved to 4-0 on the season with the victory.
Duke (2-2) struggled offensively, shooting 38% from the field and just 2-of-12 from the 3-point line.Taina Mair was the only Blue Devil to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists. Ashlon Jackson was limited to nine points and six assists.
The win marks a significant early-season triumph for the Mountaineers, demonstrating resilience and teamwork in the face of adversity.