WHEELING, W.Va. – In the 145
th matchup of the two schools, Wheeling Jesuit will be looking to upset the #1 team in the country and their arch rivals, West Liberty in this year's "Route 88 Rumble" on Thursday night in front of their home-court fans.
West Liberty has won the last 10 out of 11 meetings between the two, with the Cards lone victory coming at the Bird Cage in 2012, where they upset the then #1 Hilltoppers 109-99.
The Cardinals are coming off an 87-82 loss to Shepherd University, which like many games this season, they were leading at halftime. With the loss Wheeling Jesuit's record fell to 4-6 in conference (6-7 overall). West Liberty is coming into the game riding a 10-0 conference record (14-0 overall) after beating Fairmont State University 77-60.
"I have no doubt that if we work together, play smart, rebound, and slow West Liberty down then we have a chance to upset them in front of our fans," said WJU head coach Danny Sancomb. "We are a young basketball team that has had a tough stretch but have played well recently and will get there soon."
One of the Cardinals key components to their offense is Junior Guard,
Justin Fritts. Fritts led the team in points with 19 against Shepherd University. "It's our time. There is no reason why we cannot upset West Liberty in front our fans," said Fritts in the lead-up to the big rivalry showdown.
Wheeling Jesuit has struggled to keep second half leads, a category in which West Liberty holds as one of the best in the nation (WLU has not trailed in the second half of any game this season).
The Cards may be watching for WLU Junior, Shawn Dyer who is 11 points away from reaching the 1,000 point mark, making him the 45
th person to do so for the Toppers.
Tipoff for the "Route 88 Rumble" is scheduled for 7:30 PM on Thursday, Jan 23
rd at the Alma Grace McDonough Center on the campus of Wheeling Jesuit. Tickets for the event are first-come, first-serve, and are available at the door starting at 4:00 PM for $6 Adults, $3 Kids. Wheeling Jesuit Staff and Students are free.
