Charleston, W.Va- Charleston Women's Basketball faced off against Fairmont State in a conference matchup between two historically strong MEC teams on Wednesday night.
The Golden Eagles would battle for the entire game but were unable to make key baskets to close the contest.
 
The Basics
Location: Wehrle Arena
Score: UC 61 FSU 68
Records: Charleston 3-4 (1-2 MEC) Fairmont State 4-2 (3-0 MEC)
 
How it Happened
The Golden Eagles got off to a slow start going down 12-5 within the first few minutes of the game. Fairmont State held possession well in the first half overall, while UC would see themselves turn the ball over a number of times. Charleston trailed 14-11 after the first quarter.
 
Again, in the second quarter, Fairmont handled the ball much better than Charleston and outscored the Golden Eagles 20-18. With 7:31 left in the half, Charleston found a spark and would go on a 8-0 run to tie the game at 21. At half the Golden Eagles trailed 34-29 after Markyia McCormick completed a three-point play to bring Charleston within 5. The first half saw Charleston shoot just 34 % from the floor and 33% from three.
 
The second half started strong as Tianni Kelley's team got some momentum and tied the game at 37 from a made jump shot by Trinity, Palacio. This quick start forced the Falcons to call a timeout and regroup. The third quarter was the best of the night for Charleston as it would be the only quarter in which they outscored their opponent. UC began to use their size advantage in the paint by feeding Jamia Nesmith and Clarissa Francis.
 
The fourth quarter was devastating for Charleston as they were unable to overcome some missed baskets and shot just 1-4 from the free throw line and 1-5 from three. The difference in the game came from a few fouls late in the game by Charleston and some key free throws made by Fairmont. The fourth quarter saw the Falcons make 12 out of 12 free throws, accounting for over half their points in the final quarter. Overall, turnovers were Charleston's kryptonite as Fairmont scored 25 points on turnovers to the Golden Eagle's 8. Eventually Fairmont would wear down the Charleston defense and come out with a 68-61 victory in Charleston.
 
Charleston had two scorers Markyia McCormick and Trinity Palacio with 15 and 12 points respectively. Dakota Reeves was one three pointer away from a double-double as she collected 10 rebounds and 7 points.
 
Up Next
The Golden Eagles will play Frostburg State in Frostburg, Maryland on Saturday, December 4 at 2 P.M