Box Score

WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – West Liberty entered its Thursday evening contest against the University of Charleston men’s basketball team averaging 133.0 points per game. For UC, the highlight in their game against WLU was to hold the Hilltoppers under their average in a 118-76 conference loss on the road.

Charleston (3-4, 1-2) controlled the opening tipoff and ran out to a quick 19-10 lead early much to the concern of the West Liberty (7-0, 4-0) faithful as the Hilltoppers had only trailed for one-possession thus far this season. The Golden Eagles looked as if they had found a way to break the No. 7 ranked WLU full-court press that has troubled opponent all season long.

West Liberty continued to execute its game plan until the turnover bug finally bit Charleston just seven minutes into the game. At the 12:48 mark a Marcus Knott turnover started an avalanche of bad plays for UC as the Golden Eagles would go four minutes without a bucket and commit nine-straight turnovers. During that span the explosive WLU offense found its spot to go on a 15-0 run and grab a 34-21 lead, which it would not surrender and slowly extend throughout the duration of the contest.

Senior Jon Liggins led all players on the evening with 22 points on 10-of-20 shooting, yet the Hilltoppers countered with 21 points by Jordan Fortney and Corey Pelle. For UC a bright spot in the box score was senior John White recording his third consecutive double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

As a team Charleston shot well in the contest at 46 percent making 26 shots of 56 attempts, yet the 30 turnovers and West Liberty’s 17 three-pointers would be too much to overcome.

The University of Charleston looks to get back on track as they return to the friendly confines of Eddie King Gym on Saturday, December 4 at 8:00pm for a conference matchup against Alderson-Broaddus.