WHEELING, W. Va (Nov. 22)- The Wheeling University Women's Basketball team will hit the road to Philippi, West Virginia tomorrow to take on Alderson Broaddus (0-2, 0-1) in the Cardinals' first road conference game of the season. The Cardinals (0-4, 0-1) are coming off a close loss to Notre Dame College 79-70 last Saturday, while the Battlers fell to West Liberty 105-86.
 
After a handful of lead changes in the first quarter of their home and MEC openers against Notre Dame, the Cardinals secured the lead with just over one minute left in the opening period thanks to a Lauren Calhoun layup to go up 14-12. Wheeling would outscore the Falcons in both the first and second periods, leading at halftime 38-30. Notre Dame narrowly outscored Wheeling in the third, but the Cardinals still held the lead 49-44 heading into the fourth. Notre Dame utilized stellar shooting and free throw trips in the fourth to take the lead at the six-minute mark and eventually the victory 79-70.
 
Notre Dame knocked down 75% of their shots in the fourth, hitting nine of 12 two-pointers. The Falcons also went to the free-throw line 19 times in the final quarter, connecting on 17 attempts. Overall, Notre Dame earned 33 points from the charity stripe, making 87% of their attempts.
 
Wheeling was lead in the game by Calhoun, who continues to lead the Cardinals offensively. She finished with her second double-double of the season with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Wheeling native Shanley Woods added 18 points, including four three-pointers, while Haley Cox chipped in nine markers. Alyssa Edwards-Frick was close to a double-double, scoring eight points and accumulating 10 rebounds.
 
Despite having four players in double figures on Saturday, Alderson Broaddus fell to West Liberty 105-86. The Battlers have dropped both of their 2021-22 contests, even though they have four players averaging double figures. Overall, AB is led by Iyahnna Williams, who is averaging 25.5 points per game and seven rebounds per game.
 
Wheeling is led by Calhoun through their first four contests. She is averaging close to a double-double, with just under 16 points per game and near nine rebounds per game. Woods is also averaging double figure scoring with 12 points per contest.
 
Both teams will look for their first win of the season Tuesday in Philippi. Tip is scheduled for 5:30 PM with the men's contest to follow.
 
THE MATCHUP
 
Wheeling has dominated the series against Alderson Broaddus, winning 16 of the last 19 matchups dating back to January 2003. In 2020-21, the teams split the matchups in their first season in the same conference since the WVIAC disbandment in 2013. Wheeling took the first game at home on January 7 76-63 while Alderson Broaddus defeated the Cardinals at home on February 24 71-69. Before the February loss, Wheeling had a streak of four consecutive wins against the Battlers, stretching from November 2014 to January 2021. Wheeling also had streaks of wins of seven games and five games against the Battlers before they competed in separate leagues.
 
In the last matchup in Philippi, Alderson Broaddus used a layup, a steal, and a free throw all in the last 10 seconds of play to take the win 71-69. Calhoun knocked down a jumper with just over two minutes left for Wheeling to take the lead 69-68. No points would be scored until 10 seconds left when Williams made a layup for the Battlers to lead 70-69. Alderson Broaddus got a steal three seconds later and added an additional point from a Carissa Spiker free throw to lead 71-69. Former Cardinal Lilly Ritz got off a three-point try before the buzzer, but could not connect, giving Alderson Broaddus their first victory over Wheeling since January 2013.
 
Wheeling was led by Ritz's 24 points while Calhoun added 21. Williams and Madeline Moyer had 16 points for the Battlers, while Shay Harper contributed 13 markers.
 
THE DETAILS
 
Wheeling and Alderson Broaddus will meet on Tuesday in Philippi with both squads looking for their first victory of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM with the men's contest between the Cardinals and Battlers to follow. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with live stats by clicking HERE.