WHEELING, W.Va. — West Virginia Wesleyan men's basketball battled early but was unable to keep pace with a red-hot second half from Wheeling University, falling 103–72 Wednesday night at the Alma McDonough Center in Mountain East Conference play.
 
The Bobcats stayed competitive through much of the opening period, trading baskets and using timely perimeter shooting to remain within striking distance. Wesleyan trailed 45–34 at the break after shooting 37.8 percent from the field in the first half, but the Cardinals seized control after intermission by shooting nearly 56 percent in the second half and stretching the margin with a balanced offensive attack.
 
Offensively, Wesleyan was led by Jerell Jean-Baptiste, who poured in a team-high 18 points off the bench, knocking down three triples and converting all five of his free-throw attempts. Tristin Harkins added 12 points on an efficient 4-for-7 shooting night, including four three-pointers, while Curtis Litton chipped in 10 points and six rebounds. The Bobcats finished the night shooting 36.1 percent from the floor and 30.6 percent from beyond the arc, while going 9-of-11 at the free-throw line.
 
Wheeling's surge came behind a dominant inside-out performance and strong work on the glass. The Cardinals outrebounded Wesleyan 53–39 and scored 24 second-chance points, repeatedly capitalizing on extended possessions. Wheeling also turned defense into offense, registering 15 fast-break points and holding a 50–20 advantage in points in the paint.
 
Wheeling was paced by a standout performance from Caleb Murray, who scored a game-high 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting, including six three-pointers, to lead the Cardinals' offensive explosion. Tee Harris added 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks to post a strong all-around effort, while Ayden Goll contributed 16 points and seven rebounds.
 
The Bobcats return home to host West Liberty University Saturday, Feb. 7 at 4 p.m.