Charleston, W.Va-- The University of Charleston men's basketball team jumped out to a 9-2 lead and never trailed in the contest as they moved to 5-1 in MEC play with a win over visiting Wheeling University.  UC moves into a 3-way tie for first place in the MEC with West Liberty and Notre Dame. The Cardinals fall to 3-9 on the season.

The Basics
Location: H. Bernard Wehrle Arena
Score: UC 92 WU 79
Records: Charleston (9-2, 5-1 MEC) Wheeling (3-9, 2-4 MEC)

How it Happened
Keith Williams and Lamont McManus got the Golden Eagles off to a fast start as they combined for all 12 of the Golden Eagles initial points in the contest.  UC led just 18-16 midway through the first half before an eight consecutive points for the host gave them a 26-16 lead with 4:22 to play.  The Golden Eagles would settle for a 34-27 lead at intermission.
 
After trading a few baskets to open the second half, UC would push their lead out to 14 at 45-31 with 17:00 to play and eventually take their largest lead of the contest at 53-37 with 14:00 to play.  The Golden Eagles would hold steady to a double-digit lead for all but about 90 seconds of the remainder of the contest as the Cardinals would get no closer than eight the rest of the way.
 
As a team, UC dominated nearly every statistical category.  Entering the contest, the Golden Eagles were ranked #1 nationally in field goal percentage offense at just over 53%.  They were even more efficient against the Cardinals as they shot 59% from the field, along with 44% from the three-point line.  Defensively, the host held Wheeling to just under 43% shooting and only 26% from long range.  UC also entered the contest ranked #5 nationally in rebound margin at +10.5.  They dominated the glass in the contest as they outrebounded the Cardinals 36-23.
 
Individually, Keith Williams turned in a stellar performance as he posted 29 points on 10 of 12 shooting from the field, including four of six from the three-point line.  He also added four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one blocked shot. 
 
Shunta Wilson totaled 16 points and six rebounds while Eddie Colbert contributed 15 points and six rebounds. Tyler Eberhart also turned in superior effort as he scored 10 points and added 13 rebounds to go along with five assists. Lamont McManus was the fifth double-digit scorer in the contest for the Golden Eagles, contributing 10 points.
 
UC will return to action on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 when they travel to West Virginia Wesleyan.  Game time is set for 7:30pm.