Wheeling, W. Va. – On Monday morning, the Wheeling University Men’s Basketball team faced off against Franciscan University in an exciting educational day match. After trailing at halftime, the Cardinals made key adjustments and pulled through with an 82-74 victory.
Franciscan had the upper hand early, leading 34-28 at the half. The Cardinals needed a spark, so they turned to Caleb Murray, who hit a quick three-pointer. His performance fired up the team, bringing them within one point. Ayden Goll then tied the game with another three-pointer, contributing to a 9-0 run that shifted the momentum in Wheeling’s favor.
The Cardinals continued to push forward. By the 10-minute mark, they had surged ahead 58-45, thanks to a strong showing from Kris English and Tee Harris Jr. However, Franciscan fought back. A fast break layup narrowed the score to just a three-point deficit. Zach Oliver’s impressive three consecutive three-pointers briefly put the Barons ahead, 72-66.
But Wheeling wasn’t done yet. Goll completed a four-point play, and Murray drew a foul on a three-point attempt, sinking all his free throws to bring the team within one point. With aggressive defense from Alex Smith and Goll resulting in critical steals, Wheeling secured the win by hitting free throws in the final moments of the game.
Ayden Goll led his team with 21 points, showcasing his skills from beyond the arc. Both Caleb Murray and Tee Harris Jr. added valuable contributions, while Harris also pulled down 11 rebounds, giving him his first double-double of the season.
In the second half, Wheeling’s shooting improved significantly, hitting 51.43% of their attempts after struggling early on. Their defensive effort was equally impressive, with key steals making the difference in clutch moments.
Historical context shows that both teams have had their ups and downs in recent seasons, but Wheeling’s ability to adjust and overcome adversity sets a promising tone for the rest of the season. As they continue to grow, fans are eagerly watching to see how the Cardinals build on this hard-fought win.
The next game for the Cardinals is against Davis & Elkins College on December 17 at 7:30 PM. Fans are excited to see how this young team continues to develop its skills and teamwork on the court.
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