Box Score
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A whirlwind final minute led to Paul "PJ" Reyes (Taylor, Mich.) taking residence at the free throw line to net just enough points to overcome a pesky WV Wesleyan squad 68-62, Wednesday evening in Eddie King Gym.

Reyes hit just 50 percent (6-of-12) of his attempts from the charity stripe, but it was his attempt capping a three-point play with 1:33 to play that handed the University of Charleston men's basketball team its first lead of the night. To top off an exciting late comeback it was Reyes who again found himself on the line sealing the win after the Bobcats were slapped with three technical and one personal foul in the final seconds.

Before the flurry of whistles Charleston claimed a 64-62 advantage with 14 clicks to play. The first 39:59 of play offered an exciting matchup of two WVIAC heavy weights.

WV Wesleyan (6-4, 2-4) hit 48 percent of their shots in the first half with nine points off Golden Eagle (9-3, 4-2) turnovers en route to claiming a 32-29 lead at the break. The teams traded shots in the second half before an 8-0 run allowed the visiting Bobcats to take an eight point advantage with just 12 minutes to play.

Marco Richardson (Canton, Ohio) responded to the call from Charleston coach Mark Downey nailing two big-time buckets over the next two minutes pulling UC within two points (49-47) at the midpoint of the second half. From that point the WVIAC contenders traded buckets for nearly nine minutes, before Reyes found his fire resulting in quick slashes to the hoop. Just as he has demonstrated all season long Reyes struck for quick points capitalized by his game shifting three-point play.

After two free throws by Evan Faulkner (Sandyhook, Ky.) with 51 seconds remaining the University of Charleston held a three point lead (64-61). WVWC responded on the offensive end by getting the ball to leading scorer Kelsey Williams under the hoop who was immediately fouled by Faulkner before he could get the ball off the floor. Williams hit just one of two free throws before the Bobcats put Reyes on the line headed the other direction.

Reyes split the free throws allowing WV Wesleyan a sliver of hope at 65-62 and 14 seconds left to play. The game was decided on a Faulkner steal as WVWC attempted to setup the game tying play, which led into the extended time at the charity stripe to close the contest.

Despite the ending the game was well played on both sides of the court with WV Wesleyan outshooting Charleston 46 percent to 42 percent, while each side drilled four shots from behind the arc on the night. The Golden Eagles held a +5 advantage in the rebounding column, which proved to be a difference in the contest.

Reyes paced all scorers on the evening with 22 points and three blocks, while Faulkner closed out the double-digit scoring for UC with 13 points. Richardson played a pivotal role on the night coming up big when his team needed it with nine points and a team-high seven rebounds.

Coach Downey and crew get back on the court at Seton Hill on Saturday, Jan. 7 with tipoff scheduled for 2:00 pm. Live audio for the contest against the Griffins will be available only here at www.ucgoldeneagles.com.