WHEELING — Senior guard Shelby Genes scored a season high 22 points to lead the Mountain East Conference undefeated West Virginia Wesleyan Lady Bobcats over Wheeling University 71-59, Saturday in Wheeling.
Wesleyan (7-1, 4-0 MEC) took any early 10-point lead in the first quarter and stretched it to 12 with two-and-a-half minutes left before halftime. A smothering defense in the first 20 minutes kept the Cardinal field goals to 30 percent.
But the Cardinals whittled away at the score in the second half and tied it up in the third quarter at 34 before taking a two-point lead with 6:27 remaining in the third. Wheeling stretched its lead to five but that would be the biggest cushion they’d have before Wesleyan started its comeback to go on top with two minutes left in the third and remain there through the final quarter.
Genes’ 8-of-15 shooting included 4-of-10 three-pointers and 2-of-2 free throws. Wesleyan points-leader Emma Witt (131) added 21 points while going 9-of-21 from the floor and she grabbed nine rebounds. Lojain Elfatairy contributed 13 points and had five assists and four rebounds. Lady Bobcat rebound leader Desiree Roy once again yanked down double-digit boards with 10 while adding six points and three assists. Overall, the Lady Bobcats outrebounded the Cardinals 41-27.
For Wheeling, Kristel Rattasepp had 14 points, two rebounds and two assists. Bryana Henderson had nine points and three rebounds.
The Lady Bobcats head to Point Park University (Pa.) Wednesday, Dec. 11 for a 1 p.m. matchup with the Pioneers.
