Maybe it was winter doldrums.
Maybe it was playing Glenville State and their hyperactive, fatigue-inducing “system” – and suffering a heartbreaking loss – just two days earlier.
Whatever the cause, the Concord Women’s Basketball team seemed a step slow in their WVIAC matchup with Wheeling Jesuit Wednesday night, and the visitors from the Northern Panhandle claimed an 88-81 victory at the Carter Center.
The Lady Cardinals took control of the game late in the first half. A three-pointer by CU’s Katy Somerville pulled the Lady Lions within 31-29 with 4:12 left, but WJU replied with a 14-2 run to lead 45-31 at the break.
Wheeling Jesuit would stretch its lead to as many as 19 points in the second half, and while Concord was able to get within six points in the closing minutes, the Lady Cardinals’ lead was never seriously threatened.
WJU outrebounded Concord 44-27, including a 17-7 margin in offensive rebounds. The Lady Cardinals were 22-32 from the free throw line, while Concord finished 10-19. On the bright side, Concord had 23 assists and only 12 turnovers.
Camisha Alexander once again topped Concord’s ledger, with a game-high 22 points. Freshman Emily Blevins contributed a career-high 18 points (on 8-10 shooting), to go with seven rebounds and four assists. Holly Bibb gave the Lady Lions a lift off the bench, scoring all 13 of her points in the second half and shooting 4-7 from three-point range. Jolysa Brown finished with 12 points.
Now 12-10 overall and 9-8 in the WVIAC, Concord visits conference-leading West Virginia Wesleyan Thursday night. The game, part of a doubleheader with the men’s team, will begin at 5:00 pm EST.
Classic Rock 102 The River will broadcast both games, starting with the “Mountain Lion Preview Show” at 4:30 pm. An audio webcast will be available at www.theriver102.com.