MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In the most high-profile contest of their season, the Cardinals battled hard Saturday afternoon. Wheeling Jesuit held its own against No. 11 West Virginia despite the 98-50 final score.
On two late occasions in the first half, the Cardinals cut their deficit to within seven points, both at 23-16 and 30-23. The Mountaineers finished the opening 20 minutes with the final two buckets and added the first five second half tallies to put the game away.
WJU's Haywood Highsmith was the top player on either team in the first half as he posted 15 points and six rebounds. The senior finished with 22 points on 9 of 17 shooting to go with 10 rebounds, three steals and a blocked shot. It was Highsmith's 11th double-double in as many games this season.
Jeremiah Wilson gave WVU troubles inside, as well, with 15 points on 7 for 11 from the floor with eight boards.
Teddy Allen came off the Mountaineer bench for his team-high 19 points on 8 of 8 shooting. Lamont West and Wesley Harris both contributed 16 points.
WVU was able to keep WJU at bay via holding the visitors to 8 of 31 shooting in the second half. The Cardinals did force the Mountaineers into 14 turnovers.
WJU returns home for its final 2017 contest on Tuesday night against Carlow University. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m.
-GoCards-
