Box Score WHEELING, W. Va. (Jan. 29, 2018) – Two Salem University scoring droughts and extra possessions afforded to Wheeling Jesuit University offset an otherwise solid defensive performance in the Tigers' 71-60 loss to the Cardinals.
Salem limited Wheeling to just 37.1 percent shooting, including just six 3-pointers on 17.1 percent, but the Tigers were overwhelmed by sheer volume, giving the Cardinals 70 shots attempts while taking just 58—numbers skewed even more in Wheeling's favor when taking into account its 19-8 advantage in free throw attempts.
Turnovers were the main culprit once again, throwing away 19 possessions, including nine live ball turnovers, giving the Cardinals a 23-11 advantage in points off turnovers.
The Tigers compounded these troubles by failing to control the glass. Salem was outrebounded 43-39, but surrendered 17 offensive rebounds, giving Wheeling Jesuit 20 second-chance points while the Tigers only had six.
After a pair of free throws from
Malik Toppin put the score at 14-11 in Wheeling's favor, the Cardinals reeled off an 11-0 run fueled by five turnovers to give the Cardinals its largest lead of the game at 14 before back-to-back 3-pointers from
Reggie Oliver and
Darren Montgomery settled the Tigers' offense down.
Toppin opened the half with a strong run for Salem, throwing down a dunk, hitting a free throw and running the floor for a fast break layup on a pass from Oliver to help give Salem a one-point lead three minutes into the second half.
But after exchanging baskets left Wheeling up 58-56 after another Toppin layup with 5:21 remaining, Wheeling tore the game open with a 13-4 run to end the game as Salem went ice cold from the field.
???????Toppin led Salem with an efficient 23 points (on 9-for-13 shooting) and nine rebounds while
Reggie Oliver added 17 points and eight assists. No other Salem player finished in double figures.
Wheeling's Haywood Highsmith had a career night, posting a dominant double-double with 32 points and 19 rebounds, pulling down six offensive rebounds and blocking five shots with two steals in 40 minutes. The 6-foot-7 senior had his way, hitting 14-for-20 from the field.
Preston Boswell added 16 points as the only other Wheeling player in double figures, while Pat Moseh filled up the box score with a near triple-double, contributing eight points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists with just two turnovers.
With the loss, Salem falls to 5-15 on the season, including 1-9 on the road. They return to action on the road against the University of Arkansas Fort Smith on Feb. 6.
