MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Playing up to a certain standard is often an emphasis Mark Kellogg has for West Virginia.
In that case, the Mountaineer women’s basketball head coach would be hard-pressed to believe his team failed to meet that standard Wednesday night in a 106-56 dismantling of Central Florida at Hope Coliseum.
No. 19 WVU produced the most points in a Big 12 Conference game in program history behind 56 percent field goal shooting, while the Mountaineers’ three-point output of seven was equal to their turnover total as the team surpassed the century mark in league play for the second time this season.
“We’ve practiced well. I thought we were in a good place,” Kellogg said. “I wanted to punch early, sustain the energy and effort.”
That’s precisely what the Mountaineers (21-5, 11-3) did, making 10-of-19 shots in the opening quarter, which was highlighted by nine points from guard Jordan Harrison — one more than the Knights (10-14, 2-11) managed in falling behind by 16 points through 10 minutes.
Riley Makalusky was an offensive catalyst for West Virginia in the second quarter and made 3-of-5 shots, including two from long range on successive possessions late in the half that enabled the home team to lead by 25 before settling for a 45-22 advantage at halftime.
Makalusky went to halftime with 12 points on 4-for-6 shooting and had made all but one of her team’s four treys.
“In practice, I’ve been shooting pretty good from the three and carrying that over to the game is something I’m working on,” Makalusky said. “Just knowing I can shoot and not second-guessing myself is something I’m focused on.”
Kierra ‘MeMe’ Wheeler poured in eight of her 18 points in a dominant third quarter for WVU, which led 76-38 with 10 minutes remaining.
Wheeler provided a steady paint presence and wasn’t afraid to showcase her touch on midrange jump shots, which UCF essentially encouraged her to shoot by consistently playing off.
“I know I’m dominant in the paint, but I’ve showcased that I can hit the midrange,” Wheeler said. “Teams daring me to shoot is kind of interesting.”
Kellogg was pleased with Wheeler’s ability to mix aggressiveness with taking what the defense was giving her.
“It’s finding the right ones that happen to come in rhythm. We see it all the time. She’s more than capable of making it if people want to play her that way,” he said. “We haven’t seen her be that sagged off probably all year.”
Sydney Woodley and Makalusky sparked West Virginia’s 30-point fourth quarter with 10 and eight, points, respectively.
The Mountaineers made 44-of-79 field-goal attempts and had all 41 points off turnovers between the two teams.
Makalusky led six double-figure scorers with 20 points.
“She played very free and with a ton of confidence,” Kellogg said.
Wheeler followed with 18 and Woodley scored 16. That trio combined to make 24-of-35 shots.
“Woodley’s impact was significant when she came in,” Kellogg said.
Harrison (12), Gia Cooke (12) and Sydney Shaw (10) were also double-figure scorers in the win.
Wheeler’s nine rebounds led all players and helped WVU control the boards, 42-26.
Mahogany Chandler-Roberts led UCF with 12 points.
“What I like about West Virginia is their toughness on defense,” UCF head coach Sytia Messer said. “That really matters when you’re trying to advance in the postseason.”
The Knights made 23 shots and had 23 turnovers, 15 of which came after halftime.
“They throw different looks at you. Once you figure it out, here comes something different,” Messer said. “So the preparation for it is difficult.”
UCF played without its top two scorers in guard Leah Harmon and center Khyala Ngodu. Harmon averages 15.7 points, while Ngodu is at 10.6 with a team-leading 6.8 rebounds.
The two teams meet again February 25 in Orlando.