CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The University of Charleston Golden Eagles retain their unbeaten streak at home with an 87-71 victory over the West Liberty Hilltoppers. 

JUST THE BASICS 
SCORE: Charleston 87, West Liberty 71 
LOCATION: Charleston, W. Va. -- Wehrle Innovation Center 
TEAM RECORDS: Charleston (8-0, 8-0 MEC), Hilltoppers (2-6, 2-6 MEC) 

 
HOW IT HAPPENED 
The score remained close throughout the first quarter, with the Golden Eagles holding an 11-8 lead with 4:02 to play. Charleston began to pull away as time counted down, ending the first frame with a 23-10 lead over West Liberty.  

Charleston's offense continued to surges as the Golden Eagles maintained their lead with a score of 30-17 with just over six minutes to play in the first half. Senior guard Brooklyn Pannell extended Charleston's lead to 33-17 with a three from the corner, as Charleston proceeded to score seven unanswered points. Charleston closed the first half with a 46-32 lead over the visitors.  

Erykah Russell led all scorers in the first half, posting a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds in the contest.  

The second half opened with a 6-5 lead in favor of the Golden Eagles, with a score of 52-37 with 5:54 to play in the third quarter. Charleston charged on an 20-7 lead through the third quarter to post a 64-42 lead with less than two minutes to play.  

The Hilltoppers scored six unanswered points to open the fourth quarter, bringing them withing 16-points of the hosts. After eight unanswered points from West Liberty, Brooklyn Pannell drove the lane for the Golden Eagles bringing the score to 77-61. The West Liberty continued to claw their way back into the contest, with a score of 81-69 and just two minutes to play.  

The Golden Eagles clung to their lead, remaining unbeaten at home as they defeated the West Liberty Hilltoppers 87-71.  

Charleston Leaders (33-65, 50.8 percent from the field) 
Erykah Russell – 31 points, 14, rebounds 
Trinity Palacio – 19 points, 3 rebounds 3 assists 
Brooklyn Pannell – 18 points, 4 rebounds  

Hilltopper Leaders (26-57, 45.6 percent percent from the field 
Olivia Belknap – 20 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist 
Lindsay Humbel – 11 points, 3 rebounds 
Jaclyn Kitts – 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist 

UP NEXT 
The Golden Eagles will hit the road on Monday, February 8 to take on the Wheeling University Cardinals. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m.  

—UC—