Charleston, W.Va. - The University of Charleston women's basketball team held off a winless West Virginia Wesleyan team Saturday afternoon at Eddie King Gym to open up the new year with an important Mountain East victory.

Filling in at point guard due to injuries, DeJanique Reddix led the Golden Eagle offense with 15 points on 63% shooting from the floor.  Nichole Perry added 14 and LeAnne Ross chipped in 12 points on four made three pointers.

The Bobcats' Adrian Cunningham led all scorers with 19 points  and Mari Stewart contributed 11 points and eight rebounds.  The loss took West Virginia Wesleyan to 0-8 on the season and 0-5 in Mountain East play. 

Charleston used a strong finish to close out  first half with an eight point lead, 32-24, after trailing early on.  Reddix's strong play carried the Golden Eagles into the break as she was a perfect 4-for-4 from the field. 

UC stretched its lead out to 15 points just five minutes into second half only to see that cushion whittled down to two, 56-54, with 1:25  remaining after a Cunningham made free throw.  The Bobcats took advantage of Charleston's struggle from the charity stripe, going 5-for-16 in the second half.  However, UC's defense came up with important stops over the last minute to help the Golden Eagles avoid the upset and come away with a 58-54 conference win.

Charleston (8-3, 3-2 MEC) hits the road Monday to face reigning MEC champion Glenville State College with game time set for 5:30.