WHEELING, W.Va. – Behind a Mariah Callen 3-pointer midway through the first quarter, the Cardinals took the lead and never gave it back. Wheeling Jesuit took control and recorded its best win of the season by leading for the final 35:10 of the game over Urbana, 76-63, Saturday afternoon.
 
After Callen first of her five treys of the game gave the home team a 5-2 lead, the Cardinals (2-5/1-3 Mountain East Conference continued on an 11-0 run. Urbana (3-2/3-1 MEC) downed a 3-pointer of its own to start the second quarter only to see WJU go on a 14-3 spurt from that point and never looked back.
 
"We played hard out of the gate and followed the game plan and executed our offense," told WJU head coach Debbie Buff. "Mariah and Mo (Burns) were outstanding on both sides of the ball. We shared the ball exceptionally well today and played WJU's brand of basketball."
 
Callen and Burns almost outscored Urbana on their own as the two guards hit for 25 points, five 3-pointers and two steals apiece. Callen had 17 of hers in the first half and set the tone, while Burns came on in the second stanza.
 
Chenelle Moore contributed eight points and grabbed five rebounds.
 
Urbana's Sylvia Hudson paced the visitors scoring column with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
 
WJU forced Urbana into 20 turnovers, while the home team netted 30 of 35 free throw attempts.
 
The Blue Knights were able to get back to within seven points, 49-42, with 3:48 left in the third period, but the Cardinals answered each attempt.
 
WJU goes on the road for a Wednesday night, Dec. 6, game at Fairmont State. Tip is set for 5:30 p.m.
 
 

-GoCards-