BUCKHANNON, WV. – The West Virginia Wesleyan (0-4, 0-2) men’s basketball team fell in a conference versus Fairmont State (4-0, 2-0) on Tuesday (Nov. 22) afternoon at the Rockefeller Center in Buckhannon, WV.
WVWC Leaders
Tyler Slone led the Bobcats with 19 points, six rebounds, and one steal. Darius Green added 15 points and came up with four rebounds and four steals. Anthony Craven Jr added 15 points, three rebounds, and three steals.
Inside the First Half
The match started as intense as it could have been. The Falcons were the first ones to get points on the board but Green did not back down and one of the conference top shooters leveled it quickly. Slone contributed early on in the game in which the Bobcats were up at one point 9-5. The Falcons eventually surpassed the Bobcats but not by much. Craven Jr would add his contribution to the team early on as well when he would find himself on the end of rebounds and adding some points on the board as well. D’Vante Rivera would contribute when he got on the end of a few steals which eventually converted into points as the half went on.
After a hard fought back and forth battle between both teams, the Falcons went into the half leading 39-31. The Bobcats held up strong for the first half against a nationally ranked opponent.
Inside the Second Half
Fairmont came out of the locker room on fire to begin the second half outscoring WVWC and led 48-39. Slone drained three three-pointers, Green would contribute his portion in Wesleyan points and WVWC trailed 54-46. Craven Jr would also begin to attack more, drawing in fouls and making 5/7 on the free throw line.
Wesleyan brought out the same resilience and determination as they did in the first half but the Falcons also decided to come out with much more energy. The Falcons went on a scoring streak extending their lead to 86-66 with two minutes left on the clock. The Bobcats did not back down as they were able to get more points on the board but it just was not enough. After a tough showing, the Falcons were victorious this time around 92-72.
Up Next
The Bobcats will hit the road on Wednesday (Nov. 30) for a match versus West Liberty at 7:30 p.m.
