WHEELING, W.Va.- The University of Charleston Golden Eagles were able to hold off a pesky Wheeling team Monday evening in the McDonough Center winning  the three-point game, 56-53.

Charleston used a balanced scoring attack led by Deja Gibson's 12 points to come away with the hard fought MEC victory.  Gibson would be the only double figure scorer for the Golden Eagles on the night. It was UC's defense that was the difference, limiting the Cardinals to just 37% shooting and 53 points.

Wheeling was led by the Jaila Bryant's game-high 19 points, six assists and five rebounds in the losing effort.  The Cardinals also got solid play from Kylie Frizell and Jaana Motton off the bench who finished with nine and eight points, respectively.

UC carried a six-point lead into the half but saw that lead go away when Wheeling tied the game at 41-41 with 13:10 to play following a three by Frizell. The Cardinals would eventually grab a small lead but the game remained a one possession game for the final 13 minutes.

With the game tied at 47-47  just under five minutes remaining, DeJanique Reddix buried a three from the left wing to give UC a 50-47 lead only to see Wheeling score the next four points and take a 1-point lead and three minutes showing on the clock.  Ashley Milligan came up with a big offensive rebound for UC and got fouled on a put back attempts and converted both free throws to give the lead back to Charleston. The Golden Eagles and Cardinals exchanged the lead twice over the next two minutes and UC held a 54-53 lead with :38 to play.  Charleston's defense came with up a huge play forcing a Bryant offensive foul  under thirty seconds remaining  to give UC possession.  

With Wheeling forced to foul, Nichole Perry calmly swished two free throws with five seconds to play that gave UC a 56-53 lead.  The Cardinals attempted a desperation three only to see it miss badly as Charleston celebrated the 56-53 road win.

Charleston travels to WV Wesleyan on Thursday in hopes to sweep the season series against the Bobcats.  UC won the earlier matchup in Charleston 58-54.