West Virginia Triumphs over Duke in Chaotic Game with Seven Ejected Players
In a shocking turn of events, West Virginia University managed to defeat No. 15 ranked Duke in a game marked by chaos. The matchup took place on Friday night during The Greenbrier Tip-Off, culminating in a mini-brawl that led to seven ejections.
Game Overview
The altercation occurred just before halftime, following a crucial play by Duke’s Jordan Wood. Wood blocked a 3-point attempt by West Virginia’s Jordan Harrison, preserving a narrow 23-20 lead. His exuberant celebration sparked a confrontation between players, resulting in a skirmish that escalated quickly.
Ejections and Impact
The situation intensified as players exchanged shoves. Despite the involvement of several referees who intervened swiftly, five West Virginia players—including four starters—were ejected for leaving the bench during the incident. These players included Gia Cooke, Jordan Thomas, Madison Parrish, Kierra Wheeler, and Carter McCray. Harrison and Wood also received ejections.
Coaching Insights
West Virginia’s head coach, Mark Kellogg, was taken aback by the chaos. “I think that’s the craziest game I’ve ever been a part of in my coaching career,” he stated, noting his team improved to a 4-0 record with the win. Kellogg expressed disappointment regarding the team’s conduct and stressed the need for learning from the experience.
Second Half Resilience
Despite the setbacks, West Virginia managed to regroup with only five players on the court in the second half. Senior guard Célia Rivière stepped up remarkably, contributing 12 points in 22 minutes, a season-high for her. The team ignited with a 24-9 run in the third quarter, ultimately sealing the game with a final score of 57-49.
Duke’s Struggles
The defeat dropped Duke’s record to 2-2 for the season, highlighting their struggle to maintain composure amid the chaos. Kellogg praised his team’s tenacity, emphasizing the “resiliency, guts, and grit” displayed during the game.
Conclusion
In summary, West Virginia’s victorious yet tumultuous encounter with Duke serves as a testament to their ability to overcome challenges, even when significantly handicapped. Both teams will undoubtedly take valuable lessons from this unique and chaotic experience.
