GLENVILLE, W.Va. - The Glenville State Women's Basketball team dropped a 62-50 Mountain East Conference contest to Wheeling on Saturday (Feb. 21) afternoon inside the McDonough Center. Wheeling used a strong second quarter and timely shooting down the stretch to secure the 12-point victory. After a competitive opening frame, the Cardinals found separation midway through the second quarter and maintained control throughout much of the final 20 minutes. Glenville State battled throughout the second half, cutting into the deficit in the third quarter, but Wheeling answered with efficient shooting and limited second-chance opportunities to seal the win.

1st half
The Lay Pioneers (20-5, 14-4 MEC) came out aggressive, getting early offense from Carine Pinkney and Keanti Thompson to keep the game tight through the opening quarter as Glenville State led 17-14 after one. In the second quarter, Wheeling heated up offensively, shooting over 60 percent from the field in the period. The Cardinals outscored the Pioneers 20-16 in the frame to take a 34-33 advantage into halftime, capitalizing on paint touches and second-chance opportunities.

2nd half
Wheeling extended its lead in the third quarter behind balanced scoring and improved defensive pressure. The Cardinals edged Glenville State 14-9 in the period, building a six-point cushion heading into the final 10 minutes. In the fourth quarter, the Pioneers continued to fight, with Wonder Nkoyock and Thompson knocking down key shots to keep Glenville State within reach. However, Wheeling closed the game on an 8-2 run and converted key free throws late to secure the 62-50 final.

Final Stats
Wheeling
Wheeling shot 23-of-48 (47.9%) from the field and was led by Graci Fairman's game-high 23 points.

Glenville State
Pinkney led Glenville State with 14 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while Thompson and Nkoyock each added 10 points. Jayda Allie chipped in eight points, and Nwando Okigbo pulled down a team-high nine rebounds. The Pioneers finished 19-of-55 (34.5%) from the floor and 6-of-29 (20.7%) from three-point range. Glenville State outrebounded Wheeling 31-35 and forced key turnovers but was limited to just six free throw attempts.

Up Next For The Pioneers
Glenville State will look to bounce back in its next Mountain East Conference matchup as the Lady Pioneers continue conference play against the University of Charleston. Tip is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. (Feb. 25) inside the Waco Center.