Box Score Charleston, WV – UC Men drop a second consecutive game with a tough loss to visiting Wheeling Jesuit, 68-67.
 
The University of Charleston (12-4, 8-4 WVIAC) started slowly against Wheeling Jesuit (9-7, 6-6 WVIAC) getting badly outrebounded early on, especially on the defensive end.   The extra looks allowed Wheeling to keep pace with the hot shooting Terrell Lipkins (Canton, Ohio) who scored 16 points in the first half, knocking down four of five from behind the three-point line.  The Cardinals shot poorly for the half but the extra opportunities let them go into the half tied at 34.
 
Wheeling didn’t change strategy in the second, sticking to the 2-3 zone that seems to give the Golden Eagles problems.  The Cardinals were able to jump out to a five point lead at 13 minutes left to go after UC turned the ball over on consecutive trips down the court. 
 
Charleston began to find ways to attack the zone through the athleticism of Quincy Washington (Florence, SC) who got to into the lane and hit on some easy attempts or found open shooters.  Wheeling continued to answer with good half court sets and held a six point advantage 60-54 at the 7:48 mark.  UC drew within two points with two minutes go after a Washington free throw but the referees miss a Wheeling walk that pushes the lead back out to four points 68-64 under two minutes. 
 
Needing a basket UC turned again to Lipkins who responded with a big three to get within one, 68-67.  Once again the defensive glass is the Achilles heel as UC is unable to gather the miss and give Wheeling another possession and more time to take off the clock. 
 
The Golden Eagles get the stop and rebound, get the ball up the floor and finds Evan Faulkner (Sandyhook, Ky.) on a contested three which catches the back of the rim as time expires  resulting in two consecutive losses for the Golden Eagles who fall to 12-4 on the season and 8-4 in WVIAC play.
 
Lipkins lead the way for Charleston scoring 30 points on the night while knocking down eight attempts from beyond the arc.
 
Next up for the Golden Eagles is a road contest against AB on Monday.