CHARLESTON, W.Va. –  The Golden Eagle men's basketball team topped their cross-town rivals, West Virginia State, on Saturday night 92-80, upping their MEC record to 7-5.
 
Just the Basics
SCORE:  Charleston 92, State 80
TEAM RECORDS 
Charleston (21-6, 7-5 MEC)
State (9-9, 6-6 MEC)

How it Happened
The game between the Golden Eagles and the Yellow Jacket was an intense one, as both sides battled to win in a packed full Wehrle Innovation Center. The first half of play was close between the two schools with tied MEC records. 
 
The Golden Eagles took an early lead against the visiting team, going up 22-16 with 8:00 minutes left in the first half of play. The Yellow Jackets were able to come back and tie the game at 27-27, before a layup from Lamont McManus put UC up by a point. State was able to respond, tying the game at 33-33. The two sides went basket for basket until the buzzer, going into the half tied at 38-38.
 
Charleston went 13-26 from the field goal line, compared to State's 13-33. Both teams rounded up 17 total rebounds, 13 of those defensive for the Golden Eagles. UC led the first half of play for 44.3% of the time, and went 9-12 from the free throw line.

The second half of play was a similar story for the rivals, as the game remained close until the Golden Eagles found a burst of energy, quickly moving past the Yellow Jackets, and taking a 79-64 lead with 2:56 left to play. State picked up their pace, closing the gap between themselves and the Golden Eagles, making the score 79-72 with less than 2:00 left. 
 
With 33.6 seconds left to play in the game, the Golden Eagles led 87-79 over the Yellow Jackets, with every second point making a difference. Charleston was able to fight to keep their lead, winning the game 92-80.
 
UC totaled 54 points in the second half, compared to State's 42. Charleston was 59.3% successful from the field goal line, and totaled 21 rebounds. The Golden Eagles gave the ball away six times, and had 11 points off the bench.

 
UC Game Leaders
Points – Drew Rackley (21)
Rebounds – Drew Rackley (9)
Assists – Seth O'Neal (5)
Blocks – Josh Floyd (1)
Steals – Devon Robinson (3)
 
Up Next
The Golden Eagles will travel to Urbana University on January 30^th, with tip off set for 7:30 p.m.