Institute, W.Va. – Jesuit Men’s Basketball traveled to Institute, W.Va. Saturday for a 4pm start against the West Virginia State University Yellow Jackets. Four Jesuit Men’s basketball players scored in double digits as Wheeling Jesuit walked away with a 93-89 victory.
The Cardinals were all over WV State in the first half. Jesuit outrebounded the Yellow Jackets 22 to 18, hit 44.1% of their field goals compared to WV State’s 38.5%, and held an advantage in three-point percentage (33.3% to 28.6%).
Junior guard Eric Siefert went 4 of 9 from the field and connected on 3 of 6 three-point attempts to lead the Cardinals in the first half. Jesuit took a 36-27 lead into the intermission.
Wheeling Jesuit pushed the lead to 14 points early in the second half. But, the Yellow Jackets would eat away at the WJU lead. WV State’s Dimitrios Jelen-Joy connected on a pair of three-pointers at the 3:54 mark that pulled the Yellow Jackets within one point, 77-76.
Jesuit played tenacious defense and it was the difference in the game. The Cardinals registered 10 steals, caused 19 turnovers, created 17 points off those turnovers, and had 44 points in the paint.
Junior guard Justin Fritts came up big for the Cardinals in the second half. Fritts finished the game with a team high 26 points. Fritts converted on 14 of 18 free throw attempts down the stretch to propel Jesuit to victory.
Siefert finished the game with 18 points, four assists, two blocks, and three steals in 40 minutes of play.
Sophomore forward Kyle Ritz had the only double-double of the day for Wheeling Jesuit. Ritz finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals.
Finally, sophomore forward Matt Stewart went 6 of 9 from the field, had four rebounds, and tallied 14 points in 15 minutes of play off the bench.
“Our guys stuck together and we were able to win the game. It wasn’t easy, but our guys pulled together when things got tough and we got a good win on the road,” stated Head Coach Danny Sancomb.
The win improves Wheeling Jesuit’s overall record to 11-7 and 7-6 in the Mountain East Conference. The Cardinals return to action when they host the University of Charleston Golden Eagles Monday night at 7:30pm.
