WHEELING, W.Va. -- Wheeling Jesuit held off multiple comeback bids by Fairmont State in the second half, wrapping up a 53-48 victory over the Falcons on Wednesday evening at Wheeling's McDonough Center.
 
The Falcons were outrebounded 44-26 in the loss and made just 3-of-17 attempts from behind the arc (17.6%). The Falcons also managed just 36 percent from the field offensively (20-of-55).
 
Fairmont State (3-3, 1-2 MEC) stayed within striking distance because of a strong defensive performance, forcing 23 Cardinal turnovers and holding Wheeling under 40 percent from the field. The Falcons recorded 15 steals as a team, getting four apiece from Emily Puskarich and Makenzie White.
 
Puskarich paced the Falcons offensively with 20 points on 9-of-16 from the field. Fairmont State also got nine points from Amanda Ruffner and eight points and seven rebounds from Deidra Combs in the game.
 
Monica Burns hits five three-pointers and led the Cardinals (6-1, 3-0 MEC) with 19 points in the win. Jaana Motton finished just shy of a double-double with eight points and 10 rebounds to lead Wheeling on the glass. Chenelle Moore also chipped in nine for the Cards.
 
The Falcons will return home for a 1:30 p.m. tip against the Hilltoppers of West Liberty on Sunday afternoon.