The Men’s Basketball team at Wheeling University achieved a significant victory with a late tip-in against Charleston, ultimately securing an 81-80 win. Their success has brought their conference record to 2-3, positioning them favorably for the upcoming MEC Tournament in 2024.
The game proved to be a hard-fought battle, with the Cardinals maintaining a narrow lead after halftime. Both teams vied for control, resulting in multiple lead changes in the second half. In the final moments, Marcus Johnson’s crucial tip-in secured the victory for the Cardinals, further exemplifying their late-game heroics this season.
Johnson emerged as the leading scorer for the Cardinals, contributing 22 points and showcasing an impressive field goal percentage of 66.7%, along with two crucial three-pointers. Caleb Murray made a notable impact off the bench, scoring 16 points and leading the team with four three-pointers. Additionally, Sean Ealy and Kevin Coleman Jr. both reached double figures, contributing 16 and 10 points, respectively. The Cardinals’ strong offensive performance was complemented by a solid defensive effort from Coleman and Jerry Saunders.
Anticipating a challenging matchup, the Cardinals were well-prepared to face Charleston, a formidable team selected to finish high in the MEC preseason poll. Despite the daunting task, Wheeling University engaged in a closely contested battle with Charleston, keeping the game competitive throughout.
The second half saw the Cardinals maintain their lead, displaying an impressive field goal percentage of 55.17% and a three-point percentage of 62.50%. Both teams traded blows, with the lead changing hands six times before Wheeling University emerged victorious with a late-game tip-in.
This crucial victory sets the stage for the Wheeling University Men’s Basketball team as they look ahead to their next game on December 13th, when they will face CAL-U on the road.
By attaining this significant win, the Cardinals have positioned themselves favorably for further success in the 2023-2024 season. Their outstanding performance demonstrates the team’s resilience and capability to compete at a high level in the Mountain East Conference.