West Virginia Tops George Washington 78-66
Skylar Forbes scored 26 points as West Virginia forced 24 turnovers in its second straight win.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Basketball
West Virginia defeated George Washington 78-66 on Thursday night in Morgantown, improving to 2-0. The Mountaineers forced 24 turnovers, with Skylar Forbes leading all scorers at 26 points.
Why it matters
The win extends West Virginia's early-season start and shows its defense generating a high volume of takeaways. It also gives Morgantown fans an early read on a team building momentum this season.
West Virginia forced 24 turnovers and built a 14-point third-quarter lead (51-37) before finishing at 78-66. Forbes' 26 points led all scorers, while Zahirah Walton added 17 and Divine Tumba added 15 with nine rebounds.
The details
West Virginia used a 9-0 run to build a 14-point lead in the third quarter after forcing nine George Washington turnovers in the second quarter. George Washington rallied behind a 9-2 first-quarter run led by Gabby Reynolds and cut the deficit to 50-59 entering the fourth, but Forbes hit a three with 2:20 remaining to secure the win.
Timeline
Thursday night: West Virginia defeats George Washington 78-66 in Morgantown.
Season Trajectory
The 78-66 victory moves West Virginia to 2-0 to open the season, a start built on turnover pressure that forced 24 giveaways. The early record gives the Mountaineers a first data point on how their defensive pressure translates into wins.
Forbes' 26-point game and the 24 forced turnovers are the clearest signals for fantasy and roster watchers tracking West Virginia's guards. The 2-0 start also gives Morgantown fans an early benchmark for a defense that creates extra possessions.
The takeaway
West Virginia's turnover pressure carried the game, with 24 forced giveaways providing the margin it needed. Tracking whether that defensive edge holds against tougher opponents will show how sustainable the early start is.
Further reading
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