WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Jesuit women's basketball team outlasted the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in a double overtime thriller, 72-65, Thursday afternoon. The Cardinals outscored the Mountain Cats 12-5 in the second overtime period.

After being named MEC women's basketball player of the week a week ago, freshman Chenelle Moore led the Cardinals to victory with another impressive performance. The Westerville, Ohio native recorded a game high 24 points while tallying nine rebounds, four steals, and three blocks in her 38 minutes of play.

"It's good to come back from the break with a win against a good UPJ team," head coach Debbie Buff stated. "We played good defense for 50 minutes. We made the necessary plays in overtime, and I am proud of our composure."

WJU (9-1) jumped out to an early 15-5 lead with 3:19 remaining in the first. UPJ (6-7) cut into the WJU lead midway through the second, and took a three-point lead, 29-26, into the half. Mariah Callen led the Cardinals with 10 first half points. Moore and Jaila Bryant added six points.

The UPJ lead grew to nine early in the third quarter before both teams battled back and forth. WJU started the fourth quarter on a 10-3 run to tie the game at 49. Moore netted a layup with 3:40 remaining to put the Cardinals ahead by two, but the Mountain Cats responded. The teams exchanged baskets before heading into the first overtime period.

The first overtime began with a pair of free throws by Moore. UPJ scored the next five points to take a three point lead. Moore converted another layup to shrink the Mountain Cat lead to one. The Cardinals gained possession with 16 seconds on the clock, trailing by two points. Junior Kylie Frizell knocked in a jumper with six seconds remaining to tie the score at 60, sending the game to its second overtime period.

The second overtime period was dominated by the Cardinals. WJU outscored UPJ 12-5 over the final five minutes of play, including a 5-0 run in the first 36 seconds of play. Taylor Lubinsky netted a three pointer on the first possession, followed by a Moore layup. The Cardinals went on to win the contest 72-65.

Callen and Bryant finished with 15 points each. Callen added five assists and four rebounds, while Bryant recorded five rebounds and two assists. Jaana Motton secured a team high 10 rebounds while scoring seven points.

The Cardinals return to action on Monday, January 4 when they travel to the University of Charleston. The contest is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.