CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The University of Charleston Men's Basketball team defeated non-conference and regional opponent Virginia Union University, 69-58 at Eddie King Gym. 

The Golden Eagles were led by a career high 14 points off the bench from Vincent Dillard (Sanford, FL) as UC moves to 3-2 on the season and maintained its 1-1 mark in Mountain East Conference play. Tino DiTrapano (Charleston, WV), who only managed two points, seemed to find another way to contribute as he dished a career high seven assists in the victory.  Charleston also saw inside production from Junior Aleksander Kesic (Belgrade, Serbia) whose 13 points and nine rebounds led the Golden Eagles on the glass.  UC out rebounded the Panthers 43-36 with 15 of those being offensive and leading to nine points. 

Charleston's used a 16-7 run to start the game only to watch it negated piece by piece.  With just over four and half minutes remaining in the half the Panthers tied the game at 24-24 when Virginia Union's Avery Jirmnson connected on back-to-back free throws.  UC and VUU entered the mid-point knotted at 30 apiece. 

Just like to first half the Golden Eagles came out and jumped to a 42-34 lead at the first media timeout.  But not to be held down Jimnson had other ideas as once again his back-to-back free throws tied the game at 46.  However, a three-point play from sophomore Denio Chirindja (Mozambique, Africa) capped off a 12-0 run and put UC on top for good. 

Jimnson led Virginia Union with 23 points and four rebounds.  Colton Lewis's 10 points and Robert Valentine's 11 points rounded off the double digit performers for the Panthers.

UC is back in action this Thursday as they will travel to Fairmont State University for a MEC match-up with tip-off slated for 7:30pm.