In Salem, Virginia, the Wheeling University Men’s Basketball team continued to impress, defeating Salem University 93-85 in an exciting match. This victory marked their second consecutive game where they scored over 90 points.
Senior guard Caleb Murray was the standout player, scoring a career-high of 23 points. He shot an impressive 57.1% from the field and hit five three-pointers. His performance was vital, especially during crucial moments. Ayden Goll also made a significant impact, with 14 of his 16 points coming from free throws, showcasing his reliability under pressure. He maintained a streak of scoring in double figures for all six games this season. Other key contributors included Jerry Saunders Jr. with 14 points and Kris English with 11.
The game started with Salem taking an early lead, but Goll quickly got the Cardinals on the board with free throws. Murray’s three-pointer lifted Wheeling ahead, and they took control from that point. The teams exchanged leads, but a powerful dunk by Curtis Harrison IV energized the Cardinals, propelling them on a scoring spree that stretched their lead to 51-33 at halftime.
In the second half, Wheeling continued to dominate, starting with a quick four points. Despite Salem’s efforts to close the gap, the Cardinals maintained a comfortable lead, thanks to strong shooting and teamwork. By the final minutes, Salem managed to cut the lead to four points, but Wheeling sealed their victory by hitting free throws and a late layup from English.
This game illustrates a growing trend in college basketball where high-scoring games are becoming the norm. A recent NCAA report indicated that teams are averaging over 75 points per game this season, a significant increase from previous years. This shift may be due to a greater emphasis on offense and three-point shooting, as teams adapt to the fast pace of the game.
Looking ahead, Wheeling’s next challenge is against West Virginia State on December 10th at 7:30 PM, where they will aim to build on this momentum. With players like Murray and Goll stepping up, the team is poised for continued success.
