TEAMS TROUBLE IN NCAA TOURNAMENT: WVU Women’s Basketball Faces Columbia, North Carolina in Tough Path to Sweet Sixteen.“They’re relentless,” said WVU head coach Mark Kellogg in a pre-game press conference. “Columbia doesn’t back down from anyone, and they play with a chip on their…

TEAMS TROUBLE IN NCAA TOURNAMENT: WVU Women’s Basketball Faces Columbia, North Carolina in Tough Path to Sweet Sixteen.“They’re relentless,” said WVU head coach Mark Kellogg in a pre-game press conference. “Columbia doesn’t back down from anyone, and they play with a chip on their…

 

As the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament heats up, the West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineers find themselves in the heart of a high-stakes battle for a coveted Sweet Sixteen berth. But standing in their way is a challenging pair of matchups—first against a physical and determined Columbia team, and potentially, a clash with North Carolina that promises to test every ounce of the Mountaineers’ mettle.

 

Currently seeded favorably after a strong regular season and Big 12 campaign, WVU faces a Columbia squad that’s entering the tournament with grit and momentum. Columbia, known for its aggressive, fast-paced play and physical presence on the court, poses an early test. The Lions have shown they’re not just a feel-good Ivy League story—they’re a legitimate threat, with standout players who crash the boards hard and bring a defensive toughness that could disrupt WVU’s rhythm.

 

“They’re relentless,” said WVU head coach Mark Kellogg in a pre-game press conference. “Columbia doesn’t back down from anyone, and they play with a chip on their shoulder. We’ll need to match their energy from the opening tip.”

 

Key for WVU will be limiting turnovers and establishing control in the paint, where Columbia thrives on second-chance opportunities. Senior guard JJ Quinerly, a defensive stalwart and offensive leader for the Mountaineers, emphasized the need for poise under pressure.

 

“We know it’s going to be physical,” said Quinerly. “But we’re ready to fight. We’ve prepared all season for games like this.”

 

If WVU can muscle past Columbia, a tougher challenge may lie ahead in the form of North Carolina. The Tar Heels, perennial tournament contenders, bring tournament experience, athleticism, and a balanced roster capable of scoring from anywhere on the court. While inconsistent at times this season, UNC has shown flashes of brilliance and could be peaking at just the right time.

 

North Carolina’s up-tempo style and strong perimeter shooting will force WVU to tighten its defensive rotations and stay disciplined in transition. The matchup would likely hinge on the battle between WVU’s backcourt and UNC’s dynamic scoring guards—a showdown that promises drama and fireworks.

 

“Our focus is on the first game, but we’re aware of what lies ahead,” Coach Kellogg said. “This region is tough. Every game is a fight.”

 

The Mountaineers have already defied expectations this season under Kellogg’s first-year leadership, embracing a hard-nosed identity and racking up impressive wins. But in the NCAA Tournament, every possession counts and every mistake is magnified.

 

WVU fans are hoping the team’s experience in tight games and their cohesive team play can carry them through. With the Sweet Sixteen in sight, the Mountaineers are one game at a time—but they’re ready for the battles ahead.

 

“We’re not just here to participate,” said Quinerly. “We’re here to compete—and to win.”

 

The road may be rocky, but for WVU, the dream is alive.