Wheeling University Men’s Basketball Secures #8 Position in MEC Preseason Poll: What It Means for the Season Ahead

Wheeling, W. Va. – On Tuesday, the Mountain East Conference (MEC) held the 2025 Men’s Basketball Media Day. All eleven teams were present, and the MEC revealed its preseason poll, determined by the coaches. The Wheeling University Men’s Basketball team is set at the #8 spot, receiving 39 points from the coaches.

The Cardinals had a solid 2024-2025 season, finishing with an overall record of 11-18, going 6-14 in conference play. After a rough start, they found momentum by defeating #10 CAL-U with a final score of 89-83. They struggled early in the conference season, starting at 1-9. However, a crucial victory over the University of Charleston on January 29th helped turn their season around. This win sparked a four-game winning streak, pushing them back into the playoff race. Unfortunately, their season ended in the first round against Davis & Elkins, losing a close match 63-61.

Heading into this new season, sixth-year Head Coach Chris Richardson continues to lead the team. His coaching has positively impacted the program, with noticeable improvements in win totals each year. Over his tenure, five players have earned All-Conference honors, including Sean Ealy, who had an average of 18.3 points per game last season. In the classroom, the team’s academic performance is commendable, boasting a GPA of 3.0 or higher for six straight semesters, recognized by The National Association of Basketball Coaches.

This year, the roster looks promising, showcasing depth that Richardson has not seen before. Junior Tee Harris Jr. is the leading scorer, averaging 10.2 points per game, and contributes significantly on the boards with 6.2 rebounds per game. Alex Smith is known for his defensive skills, leading the team in steals and rebounds. Off the bench, Caleb Murray has emerged as a strong three-point shooter, hitting 37.1% of his shots from beyond the arc.

The MEC preseason poll shows Fairmont State University leading with 100 points and ten first-place votes. West Liberty follows with 88 points and one first-place vote. Here’s how the rest of the poll shapes up:

• 1. Fairmont State – (10) 100
• 2. West Liberty – (1) 88
• 3. Charleston – 78
• 4. Glenville State – 77
• 5. Concord – 60
• 6. West Virginia State – 56
• 7. Frostburg State – 48
• 8. Wheeling – 39
• 8. Davis & Elkins – 39
• 10. Point Park – 25
• 11. West Virginia Wesleyan – 10

The Wheeling Men’s Basketball team opens its season on November 14th against California University of Pennsylvania during the West Liberty Tip-off tournament. With an eager roster and a dynamic coach, fans are hopeful for an exciting season ahead.

For more on NCAA basketball and updates, check out resources like [NCAA.com](https://www.ncaa.com) or [NABC.com](https://www.nabc.com).

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