BUCKHANNON — West Virginia Wesleyan College men’s basketball put together a strong offensive performance in the young season and led for long stretches of the first half, but a late Seton Hill surge proved decisive as the Bobcats dropped their home opener, 81–70, Saturday afternoon at Rockefeller Center.
Wesleyan (0–4) shot an impressive 49.1% from the field and 47.6% from three, while nine Bobcats contributed to the scoring column. Seton Hill (4–0) countered with 30 points off turnovers and a steady parade to the free-throw line, converting 25-of-33 attempts to gain separation late.
First-Half Highlights: Bobcats Control Early Tempo
Wesleyan came out firing in front of the home crowd, overcoming an early 6–0 visitor run with a sharp offensive response.
Tristin Harkins sparked the Bobcats with eight quick points, including a three-pointer that trimmed the deficit to 13–7. A high-energy stretch featuring buckets by Isaiah Baker, Curtis Litton, and Curtis Harkins propelled Wesleyan into a 15–13 advantage at the 12:41 mark.
Wesleyan continued to trade blows in an up-tempo first half, receiving strong minutes from its bench including Lethaniel Foster Jr., who knocked down a deep three, and Brian Belade, who scored twice inside.
The Bobcats shot a blistering 56.5% in the opening half, carrying a 36–33 lead into the locker room.
Second Half: Griffins Counter, Bobcats Fight to Stay Close
The second half opened with Wesleyan still in rhythm as Camden Brewer tied the game with a three-point play and Rashaad Williams finished in transition to push Wesleyan back in front, 38–36.
But Seton Hill answered with a pivotal mid-half run. The Griffins converted Bobcat turnovers into points, building a 10-point lead at 52–42 with 14 minutes left.
Wesleyan continued to compete, with Stephen Ovia scoring three straight baskets inside to keep the Bobcats within single digits. A deep three from Edir Ortiz and transition finishes from Belade and Brewer kept the crowd energized, but Seton Hill’s efficiency at the foul line held Wesleyan at arm’s length. The Bobcats remained in striking distance until the final minutes, when Seton Hill’s free-throw shooting closed out the contest.
Wesleyan returns to the Rockefeller Center on Wednesday, Dec. 3 for a 7:30 p.m. tip with Frostburg State University.
