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Underdog WVU Women Upset Duke with 5 Players

11/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

West Virginia University women's basketball team upset No. 15 Duke 57-49, despite playing the second half with five players.
Just before halftime, a skirmish led to the ejection of six Mountaineers, including four starters.
The Mountaineers trailed 23-20 at halftime and then outscored Duke 24-9 in the third.
Sydney Shaw led with 16 points, and Célia Rivière added 12 and eight rebounds, as WVU moved to 4-0 and Duke to 2-2.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA Women's Basketball Championship was established in 1982, marking a pivotal moment for women's sports. The inaugural title was won by Louisiana Tech, defeating Cheyney State 76-62. This event coincided with the decline of the AIAW, which had previously championed women's athletics. West Virginia University's recent upset against Duke reflects the ongoing evolution and competitiveness in women's collegiate basketball.

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Story summary

West Virginia University women's basketball team upset No. 15 Duke 57-49, despite playing the second half with five players.
Just before halftime, a skirmish led to the ejection of six Mountaineers, including four starters.
The Mountaineers trailed 23-20 at halftime and then outscored Duke 24-9 in the third.
Sydney Shaw led with 16 points, and Célia Rivière added 12 and eight rebounds, as WVU moved to 4-0 and Duke to 2-2.

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