Army West Point women's basketball secured a historic victory, overcoming a 15-point deficit to defeat NJIT 59-52 and advance to the Super 16 of the WNIT for the first time. The victory marks Army's second Division I postseason win and first home postseason win since 1984. Head coach Katie Kuester made program history with her 25th win in her inaugural season. Kya Smith led Army with 21 points and 17 rebounds, highlighting the team's strong defensive performance in the second half. The team, trailing by 11 points at halftime, mounted a significant comeback to secure the win.

By the Numbers
  • Army's comeback from 15 points down is the largest of the season.
  • Kya Smith achieved her fourth consecutive double-double with 21 points and 17 rebounds.
  • Army shot 60% in the final two quarters, recovering from a 24.3% shooting in the first half.
  • Taylor Wilson led in blocks with three, contributing defensively to the team's success.
Yes, But

Despite the impressive comeback, Army initially struggled, shooting poorly and allowing NJIT to build a significant lead. The Highlanders demonstrated strong offensive capabilities early but faltered in the fourth quarter under Army's defensive pressure. This highlights the need for consistent performance throughout the game, rather than relying on late-game heroics.

State of Play
  • Army's performance reflects significant improvement, transitioning from a team that traditionally struggled to win from behind.
  • The win propels them into the Super 16, showcasing their development and resilience this season.
  • Upcoming match against the winner of La Salle versus Binghamton remains to be scheduled.
What's Next

With their momentum from this victory, Army will look to build on their success in the Super 16 round. They will need to maintain defensive intensity and improve shooting consistency to advance even further in the tournament.

Bottom Line

Army West Point's historic win serves as a turning point, illustrating their potential to compete at a higher level. This victory is not just about securing a place in the next round but signifies a program on the rise under Coach Kuester's leadership.