CHARLESTON, WV – The University of Charleston men's basketball team (17-12, 12-10 MEC) advanced to the MEC semifinals after downing the Shepherd Rams (16-13, 10-12 MEC) in the MEC Tournament Quarterfinals.

Just the Basics
SCORE: Charleston 74, Shepherd 65
TEAM RECORDS Charleston (17-12, 12-10 MEC), Shepherd (16-13, 10-12 MEC)

How it Happened 
Jordan Smith scored 16 of UC's 41 second half points as they shot a clean 54 percent en route to their 74-65 victory over Shepherd. Neither team led by more than four points until the final 14 seconds when Charleston held on to their 9-point advantage through the final buzzer.

With the score tied 55-55 and 9:00 to go the Golden Eagles went on a 19-10 run in the final eight minutes of regulation to seal the victory.  The Golden Eagles were out shot 44 percent to 56 in the first half, but made a turnaround after the break to shoot 54 percent in the second.
 
In addition to Smith's 23 points, freshman forward Lamont McManus tallied 13 points and nine rebounds for the Golden Eagles. Devin Smith tallied 21 points while AJ Carr notched 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Rams.  
 
The Rams went 14-25 in the first half to head into the break with a four-point lead over Charleston.
 
The Golden Eagles perimeter defense held the Rams to 9-34 from behind the arc.
 
The Rams took off on an 8-3 run to start the game, but the Golden Eagles climbed back to take an 18-16 lead with nine minutes to go, but Shepherd held on to take the 37-33 lead into the half.
 
UC Game Leaders
Points – Jordan Smith (23)
Rebounds –  Lamont McManus (9)
Assists – Ke'Andre Gibson (5)
Blocks – Lamont McManus (1)

Up Next
Charleston will face the No. 5 West Liberty Hilltoppers on Saturday evening in the MEC Tournament Semifinals. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m.