Box Score WHEELING, W.VA.---In front of a packed house at the Alma Grace McDonough Center, the Wheeling Jesuit women's basketball team went toe-to-toe with area-rival West Liberty University on Saturday afternoon. The Cardinals (5-12, 2-11 WVIAC) battled to throughout the 40-minute contest, establishing a 29-28 halftime advantage. However, the Hilltoppers (11-5, 9-3 WVIAC) used a 50 percent second half shooting performance for a 69-65 victory.  
 
“I am extremely proud of our team's outstanding team performance and ability to keep our composure for 40 minutes against a great team,” said Head Coach Debbie Buff. “Even though the team and staff are very disappointed in the loss we will build on it for the remainder of the season.”
 
Jamie Sobczak led the Cardinals on both ends of the floor, recording a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Taneka Lewis also provided an offensive spark, finishing with 13 points, seven assists and five rebounds, while Jaila Bryant poured in 10 points.
 
“Our young players played like veterans tonight in an electrifying home atmosphere, and our veterans continue to show great leadership,” said Buff.
 
In the first half, West Liberty established the early lead, recording the first two field goals of the contest and extending the lead to as many as nine points, 21-12, by the 10-minute mark. With 7:13 remaining in the initial half, Sobczak grabbed an offensive rebound and buried the put-back, sparking a 14-5 run which lasted until the end of the half. Emily Robinson kept the run alive with a long distance shot, and after a West Liberty bucket, Bryant followed with a layup.
 
Trailing 25-22, Sobczak buried two free throws to pull the Cardinals within one point, and on the ensuing possession, cashed in from downtown to give the Cardinals a 27-25 advantage. West Liberty responded with a trifecta, but on the other end of the floor, Bryant made a strong move to the basket and finished with a lay-in to give the Cardinals a 29-28 halftime lead.
 
The Hilltoppers opened the second half with 11 unanswered points for a 38-29 advantage. WLU's Hillary Southworth led the charge with a pair of field goals and a 3-pointer, while Liz Flowers and Emily Blevins each added 2-point buckets. The Cardinals used back-to-back strikes to bring the game back to within four points, 38-34, as Robinson cashed-in from deep and Kelsey Pacholke followed with a strong post move for two points.
 
West Liberty responded with a pair of 3-pointers and a free throw for a 47-34 advantage, and continued to answer the Cardinals offensive attacks. With 5:20 remaining in the contest, Jesuit made one final push to take over the scoreboard with a 7-0 run. Lewis drove down the lane and finished with two points, while Breanna Butler added shot from behind the 3-point arc after intercepting an errant Hilltopper pass. Lewis again found her way into the middle of the lane, but was fouled before she could get the shot off. Lewis buried both free throw attempts, and the Cardinals trailed 61-58 with 4:15 left on the clock.
 
During the final 4-minutes of play, West Liberty pushed the lead back to eight points, and Jesuit cut the deficit to three again with back-to-back scores from Sobczak and Alex Anderson. The two teams traded scores in the closing minutes to allow West Liberty to hold on for the win.
 
The Hilltoppers were paced by Southworth's 28 points. Flowers added 12 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
 
The Cardinals will be back in action on Monday, January 28 at the Alma Grace McDonough Center against West Virginia State University. Tipoff is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.