BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – West Virginia State (14-12, 8-10 MEC) saw its six-game winning streak come to an end Saturday, falling to West Virginia Wesleyan (18-7, 12-6 MEC) 76-70 in overtime at the Rockefeller Center.

West Virginia Wesleyan took early control in the first quarter, building a 19-11 lead by the end of the period. The Bobcats capitalized on a strong start from beyond the arc, hitting four three-pointers in the opening 10 minutes. WVSU's Shanley Woods hit two early threes, but the Yellow Jackets struggled to convert inside, shooting just 21.1% from the field. Emma Witt and Sydney Baird led Wesleyan, combining for nine points in the quarter. The Bobcats closed the period with a 7-3 run to establish the eight-point lead.

WVSU responded in the second quarter, outscoring Wesleyan 19-14 to cut the deficit to 33-30 at halftime. The Yellow Jackets found success inside, scoring 10 points in the paint. Emyah Fortenberry and Baylee Goins each added four points in the quarter, while Woods continued to contribute from beyond the arc. Wesleyan struggled from deep, missing its only three-point attempt in the period. A three-pointer by Ashley Kerekes with 1:35 left briefly gave WVSU its first lead since the opening minutes, but the Bobcats closed the half on a 6-0 run to regain control.

WVSU took control in the third quarter, using a 24-18 advantage to enter the fourth with a 54-51 lead. The Yellow Jackets found success at the free-throw line, hitting 8-of-9 attempts. Wesleyan briefly led 40-39 early in the period before WVSU put together a 7-0 run, capped by a three-pointer from Kenly Rogers. The Yellow Jackets led by as many as seven before Wesleyan answered late, cutting the deficit to three on a last-second basket by Baird.

The fourth quarter saw both teams battle defensively, with WVSU managing just 15% shooting from the field. Wesleyan chipped away at the lead, tying the game at 60-60 with just over a minute left. Witt's layup gave the Bobcats a two-point lead, but a pair of free throws from Woods sent the game to overtime at 63-63. WVSU had a chance to win in regulation but missed a contested three-pointer as time expired.

In overtime, Wesleyan pulled away with a 9-3 advantage. The Bobcats capitalized at the free-throw line, making 7-of-8 attempts. Baird and Witt combined for seven points in the extra period, while WVSU struggled to generate offense, hitting just one field goal in five minutes. A late three-pointer by Woods cut the deficit to four, but Wesleyan sealed the win with free throws in the final seconds.

Wesleyan finished shooting 42.6% from the field, while WVSU shot 25.6%. The Bobcats held a slight rebounding edge, 40-44, and scored 22 points off turnovers. Woods led WVSU with 17 points, while Kerekes added 11. Witt led all scorers with 23 points and 13 rebounds for Wesleyan.

WVSU returns home Wednesday, Feb. 26 for senior night against Concord. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.