Charleston, W. Va. – The University of Charleston Men's Basketball team will return home on Wednesday after a two wins at the PSAC/MEC Conference Challenge this past weekend. Charleston defeated host Shepherd 71-60 on Friday evening followed up by a 72-71 victory over California (PA) on Saturday afternoon. Saturday's victory was capped off by a block on the defensive end by Senior Devon Robinson with just seconds remaining followed up by a 3-point buzzer beater from Senior Guard Drew Rackley to secure the win.
 
On Wednesday, Charleston is slated to face Malone University with tip scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Wehrle Innovation Center.
 
Weekend Recap:
 
Charleston improved to 4-0 in the last two seasons at the PSAC/MEC Conference Challenge with a pair of wins this past weekend in Shepherdstown, PA. Friday's matchup against host school Shepherd found the Golden Eagles down by as many as six points in the first half before UC rallied off a 26-2 run over between the end of the first and beginning of the second half. The Rams were able to fight back with a 9-0 run of their own to cut the UC lead to 12 before Charleston's eventual 71-60 victory.
 
Full Friday Recap here
 
On Saturday, the Golden Eagles carried a 33-25 lead into halftime against California (PA) and would extend that lead to as much as 13 with 17:15 remaining in the contest before the Vulcans mounted a comeback, eventually taking a three-point lead with 41 seconds remaining in the contest on a made three-pointer from Rams Guard Zyan Collins. With under 10 seconds remaining and down two, Charleston would apply pressure on the Rams imbound, forcing a Hail-Mary style pass down the court for what looked to be an easy layup before Robinson came out of nowhere for the block. The ball was immediately corralled by Keith Williams who dished the ball to Senior Guard Rackley who leaned into a shot, sinking the three-point buzzer beater for the Charleston victory.
 
Full Saturday Recap here

Opponent Outlook:
 
The Pioneers of Malone University come off the weekend 1-1 after competing in the Midwest Region Crossover Contest hosted at Hillsdale College. On Friday, the team opened up the 2019-20 campaign with a 93-77 victory over Oakland City while using a balanced scoring effort that had five different players with double digit scoring. The offensive outburst of 93 points for the Pioneers was the most in their last 46 games, dating back to December 19, 2017 when the Pioneers defeated Penn State DuBois 94-52 at home.
 
On Saturday, the Pioneers would drop 83-56 decision to Southern Indiana. USI controlled the lead for the majority of the contest, as the Pioneers only lead would be a 4-2 advantage just a minute into the game. Southern Indiana would find themselves ahead by as many as 30 points after opening the second half on a 20-4 run over Malone.
 
 
Matchup History:
 
The Golden Eagles and Pioneers have faced off just once in their history, with Malone defeating Charleston 84-82 last season in Canton, Ohio. Charleston fell behind by as many as 17 points in the first half, only to end the half on an 18-5 run to pull the game within four points at halftime. Lamont McManus led the way for the Golden Eagles in the second half with 21 points but UC was unable to mount the comeback, falling 84-82.