Box Score CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The University of Charleston men's basketball team returned home on Saturday and extended its winning streak to five games. The Golden Eagles used clutch free throw shooting to secure a 79-67 win in a 40-minute battle against the UVA-Wise Cavaliers.

The first five minutes of play brought back-and-forth action, with neither team able to separate. The teams were tied at 10 at the first media timeout, but UVA-Wise took its first lead shortly after. Charleston, which trailed by as many as nine in the first half, answered with eight straight points, including back-to-back threes by Xavier Humphrey, to cut the lead to one. 

Once again trading baskets, UC tied the game on a made 3-pointer by Humphrey with just over 3 minutes remaining in the first half. Coming out of the final media timeout of the half, the Golden Eagles forced a turnover and took the lead, 32-30, on a lay-up by Denzel Douglas. However, UVA-Wise scored four of the next five points, and took a 34-33 lead into the half. 

Coming out of halftime, energy and second-chance points carried UC to a six-point lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game. The Cavaliers cut the lead to three heading into the second media timeout, but Charleston answered with 11 straight points. The Golden Eagles held UVA-Wise without a point for more than four minutes, and extended the lead to 14 at 63-49 with just under six to play.  

With just under three to go, Tino diTrapano converted both of a one-and-one to push the lead back to 14. The Golden Eagles responded to the Cavaliers' full-court pressure by getting to the free throw line 16 times in the final three minutes, draining 14 to seal the 12-point victory.

UC moves to 10-4 on the season and 7-3 in the Mountain East Conference play and were offensively led by Humphrey with 20 points, diTrapano with 15 points, and Douglas double-double of 11 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.  With the loss, the Cavaliers fall to 7-7 on the season and 4-6 in MEC play.  UVA-Wise's Javon Moore led the way with a game high 25 points and Deon Boyce added 16 points and 13 rebounds. 

UC looks to extend its winning streak to six games on Thursday, Jan. 23, when it hosts Maroon Madness against Kanawha Valley rival West Virginia State. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.