Box Score West Liberty, WV - The University of Charleston couldn't duplicate the upset of #3 ranked West Liberty this time around as the Hilltoppers outscore the Golden Eagles by 16 in the second half to win 95-77.

West Liberty came into the contest with a #3 national ranking and an overall 22-1 record, that lone defeat coming at the hands of the Golden Eagles earlier this season.  But this time they were in the friendly confines of the ASRC and had a distinct home court advantage.  Charleston proved to me unintimidated in the first 20 minutes as the Hilltoppers jumped out to a seven point lead, but the Golden Eagles would close out the half strong only trailing by two points going into the break, 45-43.

The Hilltopper offense for the most part is unstoppable as indicated by their #1 ranking in scoring offense, totalling over 106 points per contest.  Unlike the first half, Charleston could not match the scoring production of West Liberty and what once was a two point deficity quickly ballooned out to a double-digit lead for the home Hilltoppers.  UC would come within 10 points with just under six minutes to play after a Terrell Lipkins (Canton, Ohio) jumper, but the West Liberty offense was not to be denied this evening, as they would cruise to the 18-point victory over the Golden Eagles.

Charleston will drop to 15-7 on the season and 11-7 in WVIAC contests, but should still remain in fourth place in the conference.  WLU avenged their only loss and goes to 17-1 against conference opponents and 23-1 overall. 

Charleston was led by Quincy Washington (Florence, SC) who finished with 26 points, 4 rebound and 3 steals, but also got solid efforts from Lipkins (20 points) and Robbie Dreher (Greenville, SC) (12 points, 9 rebounds).

UC will return to action on Thursday night as they host Bluefield State at the Eddie King Gymnasium with a scheduled start time of 7:30.