CHARLESTON W.Va.—Charleston used a strong second half performance to open the new year with a 30-point victory, 95-65, over visiting Kentucky Christian University in the Wehrle Innovation Center on Thursday evening.
 
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE –University of Charleston- 95 ,Kentucky Christian - 65
LOCATION – Charleston, W.Va. 
RECORDS – Charleston (8-4, 3-3 MEC); KCU (2-19)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Golden Eagles overcame a sloppy first 20 minutes to easily cruise by the 2-win Knights, outscoring the visitors by 23 in the second half.  Charleston was visibly trying to knock the rust off as they allowed the outmatched Knights to hang around and even carry a lead late in the first half, 32-31, with under four minutes to play. UC ended up holding a 42-35 advantage going to the break, but Charleston's staff was not enthused with the first half performance.
 
The margin remained at a seven-point, 51-44, lead for UC four minutes into the second half before Charleston stepped up their game.  The Golden Eagles went on a 14-2 run to more than double their lead over the next three minutes of action and lead the Knights 65-46 with just over 12 minutes to play.  It was smooth sailing for the Golden Eagles over the final half of the second frame, pushing out the lead to as many as 37 points before settling for the 30-point victory. UC shot a blistering 68% through the second half with 36 of their 53 points coming from inside the paint.
 
 
CHARLESTON INDIVIDUAL LEADERS
Points- Adam Traore (18), Drew Rackley (17), Devon Robinson (17)
Rebounds – Robinson (8), Seth O'Neal (7), Josh Floyd (7)
Blocks – Three tied with (1)
Steals – Rackley (3)
Assists – Floyd (5)
 
The Golden Eagles travel to Wheeling Jesuit next Thursday to get back to Mountain East play. Tip-off with the Cardinals is set for 7:30 p.m.


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