Salem, W. Va – Charleston would hit the road on Wednesday night to face the Tigers of Salem University for their first matchup of the new year. The Golden Eagles were able to find one last win in 2023 over UVA Wise at home. Salem came into the contest seeking their first win since December 14^th when they defeated Slippery Rock 64-50. 
 
The Basics
Location: T. Edward Davis Gymnasium
Score: UC 71, SU 53
Records: UC 6-7 (2-4 MEC), SU 3-11 (DII Independent)
 
How it Happened
Charleston began the game with a 7-2 run highlighted by a Nia Vanzant triple to give them the Golden Eagles the five-point lead at the 6:36 mark in the first quarter. Salem would rally back with a 44% conversion rate from the floor and go point for point with the Golden Eagles throughout the quarter, taking a 16-15 lead into the second after a last second layup from Liliani Krause inside the paint. The Tigers would extend their lead just 11 seconds into the following quarter with an Elena Pericic three-pointer for the 19-15 lead. Salem would maintain their lead for majority of the second period, but a successful trip to the line from Paris Stokes with five seconds left in the half would give Charleston the 31-30 lead heading into the halftime break. 
 
After a back-and-forth opening quarter following halftime, Charleston exploded at the 6:00 mark after a three-pointer from Ksenija Mitric. The Golden Eagles would finish the quarter on a 14-5 run led by Austin Taylor with six points, with Charleston taking a comfortable 52-43 into the fourth quarter. The squad would continue their dominant play with their 50% shooting percentage (8-16) The Golden Eagles would extend their lead to 18 after an 11-6 run to put the game to rest. Charleston left Salem with the 71-53 victory: their first of the new year. 
 
Up Next
Charleston will have their first home game of 2024, looking to extend their win streak to three. They'll face the Notre Dame Falcons in the Wehrle Innovation Center this Saturday on January 13^th at 2:00 PM.