Storylines – vs. Fairmont State University
Moving up the ranks, Fairmont State (17-5, 13-3 MEC) now sits at second-place in the Mountain East Conference as the team will attempt to extend a three-game win streak. Joe Mazzulla's team began its current win-streak at home against a nationally-ranked West Liberty squad, topping the Hilltoppers, 98-97. The Fighting Falcons closed out their three game home stand downing Urbana, 93-79, and Notre Dame, 105-65. Mazzulla's squad got the better of the Cavaliers in the two teams last meeting as the Cavs suffered a 91-69 setback in a tough road test. This season the Fighting Falcons are putting up 88.8 points per game, outscoring opponents by a +9.4 scoring margin. From the field, Fairmont is shooting 48.2 percent (702-for-1456), and hitting 38.1 percent (255-of-669) of shots from beyond the arc. The Falcons are outrebounding opponents by a +3.0 margin, grabbing 38.5 boards per contest. Fairmont is also averaging 15.2 assists per game, led by junior Jason Jolly who is recording four assists per contest. Jolly also leads the Falcons in scoring, averaging 15.7 points per game. Redshirt senior Caleb Davis is the rebound leader for Fairmont, recording 6.4 rebounds per game. Mazzulla's team will continue their road trip as they face Concord University on Saturday afternoon.
About UVa-Wise
Blake Mellinger's team returns home after earning a huge upset win over Wheeling Jesuit on the road, 81-78. UVa-Wise (9-13, 7-9 MEC) shot a solid 56.7 percent (17-for-30) from the field in the second half to complete the comeback against the Cardinals, with all five starters scoring in double-figures. Sophomore point guard Michal Seals finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Redshirt senior forward Taiwo Badmus edged a double-double, posting 16 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore guard Chance Sheffey shot 50 percent from the field with 15 points while senior guard Ricardo Hill Jr. had 10 points. Sophomore forward Yesid Mosquera-Perea netted 14 points and added six rebounds and two assists in the win. The Cavaliers are averaging 76.9 points per game so far this season while shooting 41.6 percent from the floor, and grabbing 38.4 boards per contest. UVa-Wise is led in scoring and rebounding by Badmus who is recording 20.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Seals leads in assists and steals with 6.8 assists and 1.9 steals per contest. The Cavs will stay put as they continue their four-game home stand taking on Shepherd University on Saturday at 4 p.m. inside the David J. Prior Convocation Center. Â
