WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. – The Golden Eagles suffered their fourth straight loss Thursday evening falling 71-49 to West Liberty at the ASRC.
 
Charleston struggled mightily from the floor, shooting just 29% from the field in their second game to start the new year.  The Toppers built a 27-point lead in the fourth quarter behind 51% shooting and turning 15 UC turnovers into 21 points.  Charleston's bench was the lone bright spot on the evening, outscoring West Liberty 25 to 5 in the category led by Mya Walker's eight points off the bench in 17 minutes of action.
 
UC fell behind by seven, 20-13, after the first ten minutes of play but played the Toppers even in the second to still trail by only seven, 34-27, heading to the break.  The game got out of reach late in third quarter when West Liberty reeled off 9-0 run extending an 11-point lead to a 20-point margin.  Charleston's offensive woes continued, allowing the Toppers to score the first nine points of fourth and build their biggest lead of the game, 27 points.
 
Charleston (4-8, 3-3 MEC) hits the road again Sunday to take on Fairmont State.  Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. from Fairmont, W.Va.