WHEELING, W.Va. – The Glenville State Lady Pioneers took down third-seeded Wheeling in the Mountain East Conference Tournament Quarterfinals earlier today, 58-49, to move onto Semifinal Saturday.
In the first quarter, the Lady Pioneers would get things started with a layup from Nwando Okigbo, sparking an 11-3 run. The Cardinals struggled to get something going offensively as the Lady Pioneers led at the end of the first quarter, 18-8. The Cardinals started out the second quarter on an 8-0 run to decrease the GSU lead to just two points. Glenville State tried to increase their advantage back to double digits but were unable to as the Cardinals would once again make it a two-point game with seven minutes left in the quarter. This is when the Lady Pioneers started to heat up again as they went on a 10-3 run to end the quarter and go into the locker room with a nine-point lead at the half.
Two free throws from the Lady Pioneers would get their lead back up to eight points following a Wheeling three-pointer to start the second half. The Cardinals would go on an 8-0 run to tie up the game, however GSU refused to let the Cardinals take the lead as they had an answer for every attempt the Cardinals had. The Lady Pioneers ended the quarter on a 5-0 run to give them a six-point lead going into the final stanza. In the fourth quarter, Wheeling scored a quick four points to cut the deficit to just two points. Glenville State, in an effort to prevent a Wheeling comeback, would go on a 4-0 of their own to get their advantage back to six points. The Cardinals tried to find an answer for GSU but were unable to do so as the Lady Pioneers closed out the game strong, securing the 58-49 quarterfinal victory.
Final Stats
Wheeling
The Cardinals were led by Rachel Wilson, who finished the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds, giving her a double-double on the game. Kenzie Dalton had her fingerprints all over the ball tonight as she finished with 10 points, six rebounds and four steals. Brya Henderson contributed on both sides of the ball tonight, scoring seven points and swiping three steals.
Glenville State
The Lady Pioneers were led in scoring tonight by Jade Salters, who scored 18 points in the victory. MEC Freshman of the Year Nwando Okigbo scored 15 points with five rebounds and a block in her first MEC tournament appearance. Tynasi Bunting flirted with a double-double as she scored 10 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Stevi Yancy led the Lady Pioneers in assists with three while both Ashlyn Riley and Kenyah Stubbs both led the team in steals with two apiece.
Up Next For The Lady Pioneers
The Lady Pioneers continue tournament play as they look to take on West Virginia State in the MEC Tournament Semifinals on Saturday (Mar. 8) at WesBanco Arena. Tip-off is set for 2:30 p.m.
