CHARLESTON, W.Va—University of Charleston Men's Basketball defeats Wheeling University 101-80 to improve to 15-3 overall and 10-2 in conference play. Junior Dwaine Jones led the Golden Eagles with a season high of 23 points scored, while shooting 10-18 (.556) from the floor with six rebounds, five assists and a steal. With this win, UC shoots to first place in the Mountain East Conference standings, as West Virginia State University downed the No. 17 West Liberty Hilltoppers 98-92 tonight in Institute, West Virginia.

The Basics:
Location: Charleston, W.Va.
Score: 101-80 UCWV

How it Happened:
The Golden Eagles started the game off with an eight-point run, featuring a layup by Tyler Eberhart and three straight baskets by Jones. Charleston continued powering through the Wheeling Cardinals, extending their lead to 12-4 on Eddie Colbert III free throws and a dunk by Shunta Wilson. The deficit kept on widening for WU, as another run by UC put the Golden Eagles out in front 22-7. Despite their odds, the Cardinals were able to trim the lead down to just two points, but they were unable to find the momentum they needed to overcome Charleston. The Golden Eagles shot 15-34 (.441) from the field and closed out the half leading 43-36.

Charleston only got stronger as the game progressed, as they ended up shooting 19-36 (.528) from the floor, 6-9 (.667) from three and 14-16 (.875) from the line in the second half. The Golden Eagles led all the way through, never once surrendering the lead to the Cardinals. The half featured a dunk by Obinna Ugwuakazi and treys by Keaton Turner, DeAirius Barker, Ugwuakazi and Colbert III.

Up Next:
The Golden Eagles will fight to hold onto the first place spot in the MEC standings on Saturday, February 3, as they take on No. 17 West Liberty University (15-4, 9-2 MEC) on the road at 4pm.