Box Score WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – Nichole Perry's last second attempt wouldn't go down for the UC women as they fell to the host West Liberty University Hilltoppers, 46-45, at the ASRC Saturday afternoon.
The Golden Eagles (12-6, 8-6) took a 24-23 lead into the locker room following a defensive grind of a first half that saw 9 lead changes in the final 7 minutes. It was the lowest scoring first half of the season for both teams.
Defense continued to be the theme when play resumed until WLU's Bri Kamarec hit a pair of 3-pointers to put West Liberty (12-8, 9-5) ahead to stay, 29-28, with 15:33 remaining. Kamarec gave West Liberty its biggest lead of the second half, 44-39, with a clutch 3-pointer at the 3:49 mark but UC refused to fold. A turnaround jumper in the lane by the Eagles' Tianni Kelly made it a one-possession game, 44-41, with 3:30 to go.
Trailing by five, 46-41, and the ASRC showing less than a minute to play Charleston made a few plays to make things interesting down the stretch. A runner by DeJanique Reddix made it 46-43 with 29 seconds left and Reddix followed with a steal and a layup for a 46-45 count with 22 ticks still on the clock.
The Hilltoppers Kailee Howe missed the front end of a 1-and-1 with 19 seconds remaining but UC couldn't capitalize as Nichole Perry's driving attempt at a game-winner rolled off the iron with 2 seconds left and the horn sounded during the scramble for the rebound.
Monet Saunders was Charleston's lone double-figure scorer with 12 points as UC made just 17-of-55 shots from the floor and was out-rebounded by a 42-37 margin.
The Golden Eagles return home hit for another crucial MEC contest on Monday when they host Wheeling Jesuit University for a 5:30 p.m. game.
