Wheeling Wins. NCR D1 Down to Eight

11.17.2024

Well it wasn't a complete Rugby East sweep, as Big Rivers runners-up Wheeling defeated Kutztown 34-28 Sunday to move on to the NCR D1 quarterfinals.

With Shadreck Maandaza making plays and Aaron Jume working in support the Cardinals hit hard and fast. Those two helped set up Alex Nyamunda for an early try, and Ayoub Jalli converted before Joseph Iye followed with a penalty goal. Kutztown answered by then the rest of the half would mostly belong to Wheeling.

Iye was going in to score a try when he was tripped, giving Wheeling a penalty try. Then right off the restart Mandaza raced down the sidelines for another, and it was 24-7.

Kutztown scored just before the break, which was key for them, and they scored right after the break, too, making it 24-21 with plenty of rugby to be played.

But Wheeling held onto that lead. Jalli slotted a penalty goal, and then Panashe Mugorogodi found some space and went around and under. Iye converted and it was 34-21 with 20 to go.

Kutztown kept pushing and did score once more. But after that Wheeling was able to hold them out and cling to a slim 34-28 lead.

So that sets up next week's quarterfinal matchups all confirmed now. This following Saturday's play-in results: Walsh, Bonnies Advance in NCR D1 Play-Ins.

AIC at Queens
AIC is the #2 team from the Liberty while Queens is the top NCR team in Rugby East, logging a 5-2 record.

St. Bonaventure at Thomas More
Thomas More surprised many with a wild run through the Big Rivers playoffs despite a depleted squad, and they beat Wheeling 44-41 in the final. St. Bonaventure finished with a 4-3 record in the Rugby East and have seen their offense click of late.

Walsh at Brown
Brown won the Liberty and really it wasn't close. In eight conference games Brown gave up 72 points (8.0 ppg) and outscored teams, on average, by about 58. So the question remains whether they have been tested sufficiently or whether they are just so strong no one can. Walsh has had their issues and lost some close games, but in their last two contests they scored 41 on Penn State and 39 on Indiana. With many players who know what it takes to win this playoff on both rosters, this should be a good one.

Wheeling at Notre Dame
This will be a unique test for both teams, as they are not overly familiar with each other. Notre Dame has composure and can defend. They will need it against a Wheeling team that has a ton of speed.

Wheeling Wins. NCR D1 Down to Eight

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