GLENVILLE, W.Va. — The Glenville State Men’s Basketball team led at the break and traded punches deep into the second half but Wheeling finished the final minute with timely shooting and free throws to hand the Pioneers an 86–80 loss Saturday (Jan. 17) afternoon inside the Waco Center.
First Half — Glenville Starts Fast, Builds a Double-Digit Cushion
Glenville set the tone early in the paint, with Prince Mosengo and Ammar Maxwell scoring around the rim as the Pioneers jumped out in front. Elijah Redfern added early points at the line, and Don Colon-Lewis controlled the glass as Glenville continued to stack stops and push the lead.
Midway through the half, the Pioneers stretched the advantage to 14 at 31–17, riding efficient offense and strong interior play. Wheeling answered with a late surge fueled by three-point shooting, as Caleb Murray and Jerry Saunders Jr. knocked down big shots to cut into the margin. Glenville still took a 38–35 lead into the locker room.
Second Half — Back-and-Forth Finish, Wheeling Closes Late
The second half turned into a tight, possession-by-possession battle with multiple ties and lead changes. Glenville briefly created separation early behind a Jalen Knott three and a burst from Corey Boulden, who connected from deep and finished inside to keep the Pioneers in front.
Wheeling responded with its perimeter game and steady execution, eventually pulling even at 73–73 with just over five minutes left. The teams traded baskets again to 75–75, before Wheeling delivered the decisive swing in transition. Tee Harris converted a fastbreak dunk and another quick finish to give the Cardinals a late edge at 79–75. The Pioneers fought back at the line to make it a one-possession game, but Murray buried a clutch three with 37 seconds remaining to extend the lead, and Wheeling sealed it at the stripe down the stretch to secure the 86–80 win.
Final Stats
Wheeling
- Caleb Murray: 20 points, 6-of-13 3PT
- Tee Harris: 15 points, 3-of-5 3PT
- Jerry Saunders Jr.: 14 points, 3-of-4 3PT, 5-of-6 FT
- Alex Smith: 13 points, 6 rebounds
- Ayden Goll: 7 points, 8 assists, 2 steals
Glenville State
- Elijah Redfern: 16 points, 7-of-9 FT, 4 assists
- Prince Mosengo: 14 points, 8 rebounds (4 offensive)
- Corey Boulden: 14 points, 4-of-8 3PT, 5 rebounds, 1 block
- Don Colon-Lewis: 9 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals
- Rye Gadd: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 5-of-6 FT
Up Next For The Pioneers
The Pioneers will be back on the hardwood on Wednesday (Jan. 21) to take on West Virginia State in Institute. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
