Buckhannon, West Virginia – Heartbreaking Loss for Bobcats in Home Opener
The West Virginia Wesleyan Bobcats faced a narrow defeat against the University of South Carolina-Beaufort Sand Sharks on Tuesday night, falling 87-86 in a thrilling home opener. The high-stakes game took place at the iconic Rockefeller Center, drawing in a passionate crowd eager to support their team.
Who
Senior guard Alex Mirhosseini emerged as the standout player for Wesleyan, scoring a personal-best 38 points during the contest. Despite his impressive performance, the team could not secure the win, extending their season record to 1-2. For the Sand Sharks, Dominic Eason led with 22 points, while Nolan Paladugu contributed 19 points, solidifying their undefeated status.
What
The game was a fierce battle, featuring several lead changes and intense moments. Neither team managed to lead by more than seven points throughout the matchup. Mirhosseini displayed remarkable skill, shooting 68 percent from the floor, making 13 of 19 attempts, including 6 of 10 three-pointers. His contributions also included a perfect performance at the free-throw line, making 6 of 7 attempts.
Where and When
The game took place at Rockefeller Center in Buckhannon, marking the season’s first home game for Wesleyan on November 20, 2024. The well-attended event showcased the community’s dedication to supporting local sports.
Why
This game was crucial as both teams aimed to establish early momentum in the season. With Wesleyan hosting its first Mountain East Conference opponent on the horizon against Fairmont State University on November 23, the stakes were high to build confidence and improve their record.
Game Highlights
The first half ended with USCB leading 51-46. However, the dynamics shifted midway through the second half when Wesleyan tied the game at 62 following a fast-break layup by Mirhosseini. The tension escalated as the game approached its conclusion. With just 70 seconds left, Mirhosseini tied the score again at 86, creating a nail-biting finish for fans on both sides.
A controversial decision unfolded in the final seconds. A technical foul was called on Wesleyan defender Curtis Litton after an aggressive rebound attempt, allowing USCB’s Kevaughn Price to take two free throws. Price missed the first but succeeded in the second, giving the Sand Sharks a critical one-point lead.
In the final moments, USCB had the opportunity to extend the lead with a potential three-pointer from Kenney Gains, but he missed the shot. Wesleyan’s Michael Batchelor secured the rebound, driving down the court. The game concluded dramatically when Lethaniel Foster Jr. attempted a last-second three-pointer, but the ball hit the rim and bounced away as the clock expired.
Batchelor added 20 points, along with six defensive rebounds and seven assists, providing solid support to Mirhosseini during the game.
Looking Ahead
As Wesleyan prepares to face Fairmont State University this Saturday, players and fans are hopeful for a stronger performance. The Bobcats will aim to learn from this nail-biting contest and secure their first conference victory of the season in front of their home crowd.
