Wheeling, W.Va- After a five-game road trip, Wheeling University Women's basketball team (5-11,5-7) is back home, looking to continue their winning streak to three games. The Cardinals will tip-off at 2PM against Mountain East Conference (MEC) opponent Davis & Elkins College (4-13, 1-11) in the Alma Grace McDonough Center.
Winning three out of their last four, the Wheeling Cardinals took down the Bobcats of West Virginia Wesleyan Wednesday evening, 82-78. The first quarter provided an offensive explosion from both teams, which saw the Bobcats lead 20-19 at the end. During the first, Wheeling shot 7-17 from the field and 3-4 from the three-point line. Helped by a dominant quarter from junior
Lauren Calhoun, the Cardinals kept themselves in a prime position to take the lead in the second quarter.
Freshman
Ava Lickliter started the Cardinals scoring in the second quarter after knocking down a three and tying the game, 22-22. The next five minutes saw back and forth action, with still a tie game, 30-30 with 5:16 left in the quarter. Throughout the rest of the quarter, Wheeling took control and led 42-34 at half. The third was a struggle for Wheeling, the Bobcats fought back and took the lead back 64-61. Throughout the quarter, the Cardinals were only able to get 13 shots up and knocked six of them down.
As the fourth quarter got going, Wheeling got on a 9-2 run, started by a layup from
Jacqui Hinesmon. At the end of the run, Wheeling led 70-66. The Bobcats would be able to fight back once more, taking the lead one more time 78-77 with three minutes left in the game. Due to the efforts of Calhoun and Hinesmon in the final minutes, Wheeling held on to win 82-78. Calhoun dominated once again, finishing up with 34 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks.
Improving their record to 5-7 within the conference, Wheeling University is setting themselves up to move within their standing for the MEC playoffs. Currently, the Cardinals sit in ninth place but tied with Alderson Broaddus and only one game behind Notre Dame College in conference record, Wheeling could be on the move soon.
The Matchup
To move up the standings, Wheeling must continue their win streak by defeating their next opponent Davis & Elkins college. Overall, Wheeling has had tremendous success against the Senators, leading the all-time series 15-5. Facing each other since 2003, the Cardinals are 9-3 when being at home. Wheeling University looks to up that mark to ten wins this Saturday.
The last time these schools met was earlier this season in December. A blow out win for Wheeling,
Shamia Strayhorn and Calhoun both put up 14 points.
Shanley Woods also contributed, scoring 13 points herself. The final score was 82-54.
The Details
Tip-off for Saturday's game is scheduled for 2 PM inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats by clicking HERE.
