Cards Use 28-3 Run to Top Vulcans

Wheeling, WV, Dec. 30, 2009---With 10:18 left in regulation, Wheeling Jesuit men’s basketball team trailed California University of Pennsylvania 35-55. The Cardinals used a 28-3 run to comeback and close out the final game of the Main Street Bank Classic 63-58 on Wednesday evening at Wheeling Jesuit University’s Alma Grace McDonough Center.

In the first half, Cal scurried out to a 12 point lead in the opening eight minutes of play. The Cardinals cut the lead to eight, but the Vulcans charged back taking a 35-21 halftime lead. 

The Vulcans continued to control the game, maintaining double digit leads and elevating it to 20 with 10:18 to play.

The following possession senior Greg Andrews connected for two in the middle of the paint which began the remarkable Cardinal run.  Andrews would add two free throws and grabbed a rebound off a missed California 3-point attempt.  Minutes later, freshman Ben Siefert hit a long three to cut the Vulcan lead to nine.  Andrews knocked down two more from the charity stripe to make the score 48-55 with 5:28 remaining.

California’s Jerial Nixon silenced the Cards 13-0 run by hitting an off balanced 3-pointer to avoid a shot clock violation.  That would be the last bucket recorded for the Vulcans.

The Cardinal attack continued and this time on the defensive side of the ball.  Andrews along with sophomores Joe Suchy and Obi Ukwuoma recorded blocks on the next three Cal shot attempts.

Siefert connected from deep for a second time and stole the ensuing Cal possession finding freshman Recardo Gaddy for a three of his own. Freshman Brenden Bazillio stole the ball and drove the lane to tie the game at 58 while Gaddy robbed the next Vulcan pass. Siefert found Ukwuoma cutting down the lane, who hit the go ahead bucket over a Cal defender.

Gaddy sealed the victory with two free throws with 11 seconds remaining. He added one more to make the final 63-58.

Sophomore Steve Catich led the way with 13 points while Bazillio and Gaddy followed with 12 and 11 point performances, respectively.

The Cards will be back in action on Saturday, January 9, 2010 as they play host to conference rival West Virginia Wesleyan at the Alma Grace McDonough Center. Tip off is set for 4:00 p.m.