WHEELING, W. Va. – The University of Charleston Golden Eagles Men's Basketball team (8-2, 4-2 MEC) defeated the Cardinals of Wheeling University on Saturday evening by a score of 95-71. The Golden Eagles were led offensively by Seth O'Neal, who finished the game one assists shy of a double-double, adding 17 points, 9 assists, and six rebounds. The Golden Eagles have showed off their offensive depth as of recent, as seven different Golden Eagles finished the game in double digit scoring. The Golden Eagles shot 37-of-57 to record their highest shooting percentage of the season (64.9%).

JUST THE BASICS

SCORE: Charleston 95, Wheeling 71
LOCATION: Wheeling, W. Va.
TEAM RECORDS: Charleston (8-2, 4-2 MEC), Wheeling (6-4, 3-3 MEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

Unlike their most recent matchup against West Liberty, the Golden Eagles jumped out to an commanding lead from the start, leading the Cardinals 14-2 just five minutes into the game behind shared points from all five starters. The Golden Eagles were able to extend their lead to 18 points with just under ten minutes remaining in the opening half, leading 30-12. After shared baskets back and forth, the Golden Eagles found themselves with a 47-29 lead going into the break.
 
Carrying momentum from the second half of Wednesday's matchup, Charleston was able to shoot the ball just under 67% in the opening half (20-of-30) while converting on 5-of-11 attempts from behind the arc. The Golden Eagles outrebounded the opposition 21-8 in the 1^st half while holding the lead for the entirety of the game.
 
The Golden Eagles opened up the second half on an 8-2 run to extend their lead to 24 points and received a 15-point second half performance from O'Neal, who finished the game with a career-high in assists and a season-high in rebounds.

Charleston Leaders (37-57, 64.9 percent from the field)
Seth O'Neal- 17 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds
Keith Williams- 16 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds
Lamont McManus – 14 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assists
Garrett Denbow– 13 points, 2 rebounds
Drew Rackley– 12 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
Devon Robinson – 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
Eddie Colbert III – 10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assists


Wheeling Leaders (25-51, 49.0 percent from the field)
Jordan Reid– 22 points, 1 assist, 2 rebounds
John Korte – 12 points, 5 rebounds
 
Up Next:
The Golden Eagles will return to action next Thursday against Alderson Broaddus as they hit the with tip scheduled for 6:00 p.m.