Storylines – vs. Shepherd University
The Rams of Shepherd University will attempt to extend their current win-streak to five games as they host UVa-Wise on Saturday afternoon. Shepherd (7-6, 3-4 MEC) opened conference play falling on the road to West Virginia State University, 92-87, and the University of Charleston, 82-80. The Rams wrapped up 2017 with a non-conference matchup against Lincoln, downing the Lions 93-63. Shepherd began 2018 with a strong performance against Concord University as they defeated the Mountain Lions, 91-73. Mountain East Conference Player of the Week Steffen Davis led the Rams in scoring alongside junior forward Winston Burgess who both put up 19 points apiece. Burgess recorded a double-double with 13 rebounds in the win while senior forward A.J. Carr posted a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds against the Mountain Lions. In his eighth season with the team, Head Coach Justin Namolik's team is outscoring opponents this season registering 78.3 points per game while opponents are averaging 74.2 ppg. The Rams are shooting 329-for-709 (46.4 percent) from the field, 116-for-299 (38.8 percent) from beyond the arc. Carr leads the Rams in scoring and rebounding with 17 ppg and 8.3 rebounds per game. Shepherd will hit the road for its next two conference matchups taking the court against Notre Dame on Jan. 11 and Urbana on Jan. 13.
About UVa-Wise
Struggling from the floor on Thursday, the Cavalier men had their conference road game win-streak snapped by the Fighting Falcons of Fairmont State. The Cavs were cold from the field, shooting just 12-for-35 (34.3 percent) in the first half. UVa-Wise would rally and continue to battle coming out of the half, going 19-for-38 (50 percent) from the field. Although the Cavs improved shooting in the second half, it would not be enough as they were outlasted by Fairmont State, 91-69. Redshirt senior forward Taiwo Badmus and sophomore point guard Michal Seals both netted 18 points. Seals led the team in rebounding with nine while Badmus grabbed eight boards in the loss. Sophomore guard Chance Sheffey added 12 points while junior guard Rahji Langford recorded eight points on 4-for-6 shooting. Badmus continues to lead the Cavaliers in scoring and rebounding, averaging 20.5 points and 9.0 rebounds per contest. Seals remains the assist leader for the Cavaliers registering 6.8 per game, placing him at the top of the Mountain East Conference in assists. UVa-Wise will return home to host two strong squads in No. 6 West Liberty on Jan. 11 and Wheeling Jesuit on Jan. 13 inside the David J. Prior Convocation Center.
