BUCKHANNON, WV. – The West Virginia Wesleyan (1-5,1-3) men’s basketball defeated Wheeling (1-6, 0-4) by an 89-87 score Saturday afternoon at Rockefeller Center in Buckhannon, WV.
WVWC Leaders
Tyler Slone led the Bobcats with 21 points, four rebounds and five steals. Anthony Craven Jr. had a spectacular night as well putting up 18 points, five rebounds and four assists. D’Vante Rivera was not too far off his teammates as he put up double digits as well with 17 points for the evening. Kabe Ellis had the most consistent game for the evening putting up 13 points along with four rebounds and two steals.
Inside the First Half
In the opening half, both teams matched each other’s intensity battling out in a great atmosphere. Rivera was huge for the ‘Cats in the half giving putting up the most points for his team. Craven Jr. was not that far behind him as he was able to register seven points in the half. Green right behind him with six. A great defensive performance also limited the cardinals scoring and kept the gap only four points. The Cardinals went into the half leading 37-33.
Inside the Second Half
In the second half, the Cardinals came out on top first, but the Bobcats’ intensity did not fall whatsoever. Craven Jr. was able to draw a foul early in the half lowering the point gap to 38-44. Slone made it a five-point game with a three-pointer shot with 14 minutes left in the game. Rivera shortly after added a three pointer to make it 54-52 in favor of Wheeling. After a timeout, the ‘Cats came out with much more intensity and made it a two-point game. The Bobcats were able to get a rhythm going and forced an overtime.
Overtime
The ‘Cats came out quick first in the opening minutes of overtime. Huge plays from the team overall helped maintain the Bobcats’ lead. Craven Jr. found himself in the ending seconds of the overtime driving towards the paint and drawing a foul. He was able to convert both points for the lead. The Bobcats were able to come up huge with a defensive effort from everyone in the last seconds of the game and the Cardinals were not able to get anything on the board. The Bobcats defeated the Cardinals from Wheeling 89-87 in overtime giving them their first conference victory.
Up Next
The Bobcats will return to the Rockefeller Center for a home matchup versus Alderson Broaddus on Wednesday (Dec. 7) at 7:30 p.m.
