Box Score CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The University of Charleston Golden Eagles Men's Basketball team (0-1, 0-1 MEC) dropped a thrilling 64-62 decision to open the 2021 season this evening, falling to the Mountain Lions of Concord University.

JUST THE BASICS

SCORE: Charleston 62 , Mountain Lions 64
LOCATION: Charleston, W. Va.
TEAM RECORDS: Charleston (0-1, 0-1 MEC), Concord (1-0, 1-0 MEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

The game played back and forth through the first eight minutes of the game with the contest tied 8-8 just six minutes in. Concord then used an 11-2 run to grab an early 19-10 lead which they sustained over the next three minutes of the contest. With the help of five straight points from Isaiah Gable over a 45-second span, the Golden Eagles were able to pull within four (26-22) with just over four minutes remaining in the half.
 
As each team went on their own runs over the final four minutes of the opening frame, Concord extended their lead to nine with two minutes remaining. Although, the Golden Eagles carried the momentum into half, as five straight points to end the frame decreased their deficit to just four, with the Mountain Lions leading 33-29 at the break.
 
The Golden Eagles struggled from the field in the first half, converting on just 13 of their 35 attempts (including 2-of-11 from beyond the arc). Concord, who converted on 46.4% of their shots (13-of-28), were able to make five of ten from deep. The Mountain Lions outrebounded the Golden Eagles 23-18 in the half.
 
Concord began the second half on a 7-3 run to extend their lead to eight before the Golden Eagles stormed back on an 18-7 run to regain the lead at 49-47. The game continued to bounce back and forth before Concord used a 6-0 run with three minutes remaining to retake a 61-58 lead on a made three from Malik Johnson. Charleston fought back, but eventually fell to the Mountain Lions after a missed attempt in the final seconds.
 
For the game, the Golden Eagles shot just 38.2% from the floor (26-of-68), while Concord converted on 21-of-52 attempts (40.4%). With 18 points from Ethan Heller which included a 7-of-9 effort from the charity line, the Mountain Lions were able to secure the win. Charleston, who converted on just 6-of-26 attempts from deep, will look to avenge defeat this Sunday as they take on the Pioneers from Glenville State on the road with tip scheduled for 4:00 PM.
 

Charleston Leaders (26-60, 43.3 percent from the field)
Eddie Colbert III - 13 points, 4 rebounds
Lamont McManus- 12 points, 9 rebounds
Seth O'Neal - 10 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds

Concord Leaders (30-60, 50.0 percent from the field)
Ethan Heller – 18 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
David Mulumba – 14 points, 6 rebound, 1 assist
Malik Johnson – 12 points, 12 rebounds