ELKINS –The Davis & Elkins men’s basketball team turned in a strong offensive performance Saturday, defeating West Virginia Wesleyan, 89-81, in Mountain East Conference action at the McDonnell Center.

Nicolas Silva led the Senators with a game-high 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double.

Charleston Ponds added 21 points, including four three-pointers, while Malachi Hampton contributed 10 points and four rebounds off the bench. Ja’Kobe Strozier chipped in with eight points and four boards, while Kerem Sariaslan scored eight points in a key reserve role.

The Senators (7-11, 4-7 MEC) shot 56% from the field, including 10-of-18 from beyond the arc, and out-rebounded the Bobcats 38-19.

Silva was dominant in the paint and D&E capitalized on 17 second-chance points to seal the win.

Anthony Crosby scored 24 points off the bench for the Bobcats, while Alex Mirhosseini had 18 and Michael Batchelor 15,

The Senators continue conference play on the road on Wednesday in Pittsburgh when they face Point Park University.

In their last meeting, D&E fell in a tight game 64-62 at home.

Wesleyan, meanwhile, will remain on the road at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Salem.

Women’s Game

Wesleyan 59, D&E 40

Despite a spirited third-quarter rally, the Davis & Elkins women’s basketball team fell to West Virginia Wesleyan, 59-40, Saturday at the McDonnell Center.

The Lady Senators were led by freshman guard Jahniya Marion, who scored a team-high 14 points, including two 3-pointers, and recorded four steals. Rebecca Kaba added nine points and grabbed a team-best nine rebounds, while Josiany Canales contributed six points and three rebounds.

D&E (1-15, 1-10 MEC) struggled early, scoring just six points in the first quarter, but fought back in the third period with an 18-point effort.

The Lady Senators’ defense forced 12 steals, led by Marion’s four.

Wesleyan (11-5, 7-4 MEC) controlled the paint, outscoring the Senators 30-16 inside and leading wire-to-wire.

The Lady Bobcats were led Emma Witt with 22 points. Desiree Roy added 14 and Shelby Genes 12.

Wesleyan will travel to Salem at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.