Queens, NY -
The West Virginia women's basketball team's late run fell short as No. 20/25 St. John's took a 63-54 win from the Mountaineers on Tuesday at Carnesecca Arena.
WVU came out of a 31-18 halftime deficit and brought the game within one point, 37-36, at the 12:07 mark, but a 13-2 St. John's run extended the lead back out to double figures.
Cold shooting opened the first half allowing the Red Storm (19-8, 11-3) control of the game as the Mountaineers (19-8, 9-5) shot 22.2 percent (6-27) from the field, while allowing St. John's 42.3 percent (11-26). WVU improved after halftime to 48 percent (12-25) to finish out 34.6 percent (18-52). St. John's finished shooting 43.8 percent (21-48) from the field.
Neither team had a true advantage from the free throw line as WVU shot 59.1 percent (13-22) and St. John's converted 18-of-34 (52.9%). WVU hit 5-of-20 (25%) 3-pointers, while St. John's made 3-of-6 (50%).
Ayana Dunning led the Mountaineers with a career-high 21 points and a game-leading 16 rebounds. Dunning was 9-of-10 from the field and 3-of-5 from the free throw line. Christal Caldwell added 14 points, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range.
The Mountaineers were out-rebounded by only the second BIG EAST opponent this season, 39-36. Nadirah McKenith led St. John's with 26 points, Shenneika Smith added another 12 points and Da'Shena Stevens chipped in 10 points. Smith also guided the Red Storm on the boards as she pulled down nine rebounds.
St. John's capitalized on turnovers, earning 19 points off 16 Mountaineer turnovers, while limited its own turnover column to 11.
WVU continues BIG EAST road competition as it travels to Cincinnati on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m.
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