Charleston, W. Va – On Saturday afternoon, Charleston would host the Fairmont State Falcons seeking their first Mountain East Conference win of the year. The Falcons, who had yet to drop a game coming into this matchup, were coming off an impressive 94-88 win at home over West Virginia State. 
 
The Basics
Location: Wehrle Innovation Center
Score: UC 67, FSU 86
Records: UC 2-6 (0-4 MEC), FSU 7-0 (4-0 MEC)
 
How it Happened
The Falcons would take control of the game in the first quarter, putting up 27 points on offense and limit the Golden Eagles to just nine on the other end. Fairmont State displayed their impressive ability to shoot the ball with a 64% conversion rate from inside the arc while adding on two three-pointers in the quarter. The Golden Eagles would hit 2-12 from the field and just one triple from Ksenija Mitric in the closing stages of the quarter. Charleston would improve immensely in the following period on offense, finding their rhythm with 20 points shooting 9-17 from the field. The second quarter attack would be led by Nia Vanzant who was able to find points from inside the paint with multiple quick layups. Despite the offense from the Golden Eagles, Fairmont State was able to add on to their lead with 15 points in the period to take a 42-29 lead into halftime. 
 
The Golden Eagles, down by 13 points to begin the half, made a valiant effort for a comeback following the break. Despite a quick start to the quarter from Fairmont State, Charleston found their stride in the closing stages of the quarter, bringing what was a 17-point deficit and bringing it all the way down to single digits. A layup from Clarrissa Francis just before the end of the quarter would get the Golden Eagles to within nine of Fairmont State. Francis would open up the scoring in the final quarter of play with another quick layup off the assist of Kiara Cruz. After back-and-forth play, a shot from beyond the arc by Haley Moore would maintain the margin at nine points separating the two teams. Fairmont State would continue to make shots, shooting 59% from the field, allowing them to maintain their lead for the remainder of the game. The Falcons would take this one 86-67 on the road over Charleston. 
 
Up Next
The Golden Eagles will host the West Liberty Hilltoppers this Wednesday in the Wehrle Innovation Center on December 6^th at 5:30 PM.