No. 15 West Virginia Women's Basketball Clinches Big 12 Tournament Berth

Gia Cooke's clutch 3-pointer in the final minute lifts the Mountaineers over Colorado

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In a close semifinal matchup at the Big 12 Tournament, No. 15 West Virginia women's basketball team defeated Colorado 48-47 thanks to a go-ahead 3-pointer from Gia Cooke in the final minute of play.

Why it matters

West Virginia's victory secures their spot in the Big 12 Tournament championship game, a significant achievement for the program as they look to earn an NCAA Tournament bid. The close game also highlights the competitive nature of the Big 12, one of the top women's basketball conferences in the country.

The details

Gia Cooke led the Mountaineers with 14 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer in the final minute that gave West Virginia the 48-47 victory over Colorado. The back-and-forth semifinal matchup came down to the wire, with West Virginia narrowly holding on for the win.

  • The Big 12 Tournament semifinal game took place on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • Gia Cooke's clutch 3-pointer came in the final minute of the game.

The players

Gia Cooke

A key player for the No. 15 ranked West Virginia women's basketball team.

West Virginia Mountaineers

The No. 15 ranked women's basketball team from West Virginia University that defeated Colorado in the Big 12 Tournament semifinal.

Colorado

The women's basketball team from the University of Colorado that lost a close game to West Virginia in the Big 12 Tournament semifinal.

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What they’re saying

“Gia Cooke's 3-pointer in the final minute was a huge shot for us. She stepped up when we needed her most.”

— Mike Carey, Head Coach, West Virginia Mountaineers

What’s next

West Virginia will advance to the Big 12 Tournament championship game on Sunday, March 9, 2026.

The takeaway

West Virginia's narrow victory over Colorado showcases the depth and competitiveness of the Big 12 Conference, one of the premier women's basketball leagues in the country. The Mountaineers' ability to win a close game and secure a spot in the tournament final bodes well for their chances of earning an NCAA Tournament bid.