BUCKHANNON — West Virginia Wesleyan College mounted an inspired second-half comeback, but Wheeling was able to hold on late as the Cardinals defeated the Bobcats, 78–72, in Mountain East Conference action Saturday afternoon at the Rockefeller Center.
After trailing by as many as 23 points in the second half, Wesleyan responded with one of its best offensive stretches of the season, outscoring Wheeling 46–36 after the break and cutting the deficit to six in the final seconds. The Bobcats shot 40.5 percent from the field in the second half and a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line over the final 20 minutes, but the early hole proved too much to overcome.
Isaiah Baker led Wesleyan with 17 points in 22 minutes, adding four rebounds and four assists. Curtis Litton recorded a double-digit effort with 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, while Nick Davis chipped in 10 points off the bench. Stephen Ovia also scored 10 points and provided energy inside as the Bobcats held a 36–34 edge in points in the paint
Wheeling established control early, shooting 45.7 percent in the first half and forcing Wesleyan into a 10-for-32 shooting performance before intermission. The Cardinals took a 42–26 lead into halftime behind strong transition play and interior scoring, compiling 24 fast-break points on the afternoon.
The Bobcats opened the second half with renewed intensity, using improved ball movement and defensive pressure to chip away at the margin. Wesleyan hit five three-pointers after halftime—four more than in the opening period—and matched Wheeling with 16 points off turnovers. Late baskets and trips to the foul line pulled Wesleyan within striking distance, but Wheeling sealed the win with free throws in the final minute.
West Virginia Wesleyan finished the game shooting 36.2 percent from the floor and 30.0 percent from three-point range, while Wheeling connected at a 38.1 percent clip overall. The Bobcats also held a 25–17 advantage in bench points.
Wesleyan welcomes Concord University to the Rockefeller Center Wednesday, Jan. 7 for a 7:30 p.m. tip.
