CHARLESTON, W. Va. (WVIAC Media Relations)– Wheeling Jesuit overcame a halftime deficit to post a 72-62 victory over Charleston Thursday evening.

The Golden Eagles built an 11-point edge with 7:13 to play in the first half off a lay-up by Terrell Lipkins. After a time-out by the Cardinals, Justin Fritts drained a three-point shot, starting a 7-0 run by the designated home team. WJU trimmed the deficit to one on a banked in three-pointer by Andre Harris with five seconds left in the first half, making the score 37-36 in favor of UC.

WJU opened the second half on a 19-6 run, completing the spurt on a Fritts’ three-point shot. The Cardinals maintained a lead of at least six the rest of the way thanks in part to solid free throw shooting.

WJU was guided by a game-high 19 points from Fritts. Eric Siefert came off the bench to account for 15 points and 10 rebounds while Ben Siefert amassed 15 points and six assists. Joe Prati accounted for 12 markers and six rebounds.

UC was led by Xavier Humphrey’s game-high 19 points. He also contributed seven rebounds and two blocks. Lipkins netted 17 points while Robbie Dreher totaled 10 points and a game-best 13 rebounds. Evan Faulkner distributed a team-high five assists.