Wheeling, W.VA- Wheeling University women's basketball (5-13, 5-9) team dropped their 13th overall loss Monday evening. The Cardinals look to get back in the win column against Mountain East Conference opponent (MEC), the University of Charleston (11-6, 9-4), Wednesday, 5:30PM at the Alma Grace McDonough Center.
Wheeling showed tremendous effort but did not have enough against Frostburg State University, falling 59-47. The first quarter started slow for Wheeling offensively, only scoring nine points. On the defensive side of the ball, Wheeling did well. Just allowing 15 total points, the Cardinals held Frostburg to only 38% from the field in the quarter. The second quarter was much of the same. Struggling from the field and three, Wheeling only generated 12 more points before the half. Freshman Ava Lickliter knocked down her free throws to finish the quarter. At the end of two, Wheeling was down 31-21.
The third quarter was Wheeling's best. Scoring a total of 15 points, Wheeling shot 5-12 from the field. Lauren Calhoun and Shamia Strayhorn both continued their consistent play. Calhoun brought in another double-double, scoring 23 points and 17 rebounds. Playing a team high 37 minutes, Calhoun also was a terror defensively, blocking four shots. When the fourth quarter started Frostburg had an 8-point lead. Battling back, Wheeling was able to make the game competitive until the end but just did not have enough. Calhoun dominated till the game was over as she scored four of the final seven points for the team.
Wheeling has been improving all season and has another opportunity to grow Wednesday evening. Going up against one of the top teams in the MEC, the Cardinals will get a chance to see how they stack up against the best. They enter play on Wednesday sitting at 5-9 in MEC play as they continue to push for a spot in the MEC Playoff Tournament. They currently sit in ninth place in the standings with eight games left on the season and sit three games back of Concord for that first round by to WesBanco arena.
The Matchup
When Wheeling and Charleston tip-off, it'll be the 33rd time in program history. Currently losing the series 25-8, Wheeling looks to etch their ninth all-time win against the Golden Eagles. When Facing the University of Charleston, Wheeling has done best at home, posting a 5-8 record.
The two teams met in December of 2021, where Charleston won 94-46. Calhoun posted 21 points that evening. Helped by teammates, Maura Castelluci and Strayhorn who both scored six points. Looking for the same production, Wheeling hopes to have an offensive explosion and take down the Golden Eagles Wednesday evening.
The Details
Tip-off for Monday night's game is scheduled for 6 PM inside the Alma Grace McDonough Center. You can watch the game live by clicking HERE or follow along with Live Stats HERE.
