Wheeling, W. Va. - On December 15^th, the Wheeling University Men's Basketball team will be bringing their game to WesBanco Arena in Downtown Wheeling when they welcome in Franciscan University. The Cardinals will be celebrating local area students with their first-ever education day match-up, with tip-off at 11:30 AM. Local area students from across Ohio, Marshall, and the surrounding counties are invited to the game to cheer on the Cardinals in a battle between two local rivals.

Gates will open beginning at 9:30 AM and students from surrounding schools are encouraged to pack the stands and cheer on the Cardinals. The Wheeling University education department will have activity sheets for all ages in attendance, adding to the education day atmosphere. Students will be able to follow along with the action on the court, while learning about the game of basketball. Halftime will feature a special fan participation contest, where the different schools in attendance will receive a shout out and get the chance to participate in a cheering contest to see who can cheer the loudest for the Cardinals.

Wheeling has gotten off to a strong start to the 2025-2026 season, going 2-2 through their early non-conference schedule. They earned a come from behind victory against CAL-U in the season's opening game on November 14^th, and would end up splitting the weekend after falling to Clarion in the Saturday match-up. They would continue the road trip with a battle against Slippery Rock, falling 82-71 before coming home for their 2025-2026 home opener on November 23^rd against Winston-Salem. The Cardinals would pick up their second win of the season, beating the Rams 86-66 to even their record at 2-2. They tip-off Mountain East Conference (MEC) play this week with a battle against Point Park, before heading into a two-week stretch of conference play before heading to WesBanco Arena.

The education day match-up will be the fourth all-time between the two teams, continuing the annual Ohio Valley match-up. The Cardinals have won each of the three previous meetings between the two teams, serving as the host school for each of the three meetings. Wheeling has scored 80+ points in each of the three meetings between the two teams, and is averaging 88.67 points per game in the all-time match-up. Last year's meeting came on January 4^th, 2025, in a game the Cardinals would win 84-68. Alex Smith and former Cardinal Sean Ealy would combine to lead the effort with 15 points each, while Tee Harris Jr. Finished with 10 rebounds on the day.

For more information about Wheeling Men's Basketball's Education Day match-up, contact Head Men's Basketball Coach Chris Richardson at crichardson@wheeling.edu or Assistant Athletic Director for Communications & Engagement Zack Zeigler at zzeigler@wheeling.edu.