Charleston, W.Va. – #11 Charleston fell to the #6 California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans in the season opener for the Golden Eagles. The highly anticipated matchup did not disappoint as it went to double overtime where the Vulcans were eventually victorious.
 
The Basics:
Location: Wehrle Innovation Center
Score: UC 103, CAL 112
Records: UC 0-1 (0-0 MEC) Cal PA 1-0 (0-0 PSAC)
 
How it Happened:
In what could only be described as a thrilling season opener, the University of Charleston Golden Eagles and the California University of Pennsylvania Vulcans put on an unforgettable show at the Wehrle Innovation Center on November 8, 2024. The game had everything: dramatic swings in momentum, clutch performances, and, ultimately, double overtime. Despite the Golden Eagles' valiant efforts, the Vulcans emerged victorious, 112-103, in a contest that will surely be remembered for years to come.

The game got off to a hot start with Charleston racing out to an early 10-0 lead. The energy in the arena was palpable, as fans inside the Wehrle Innovation Center were treated to high-octane basketball from the very first possession. However, the Vulcans weren't fazed by the early deficit. Led by a balanced attack and steady leadership from their upperclassmen, Cal PA clawed their way back into the game, trading baskets with Charleston for much of the first half.

As the clock wound down, the two teams were deadlocked, with UC holding a narrow 41-40 lead at the break. The Golden Eagles shot well, moving the ball fluidly and capitalizing on transition opportunities, while Cal PA's defense began to tighten up, making life difficult for Charleston in the second half.
The second half mirrored the first, with both teams refusing to back down. The lead changed hands 17 times throughout the game, reflecting the evenly matched nature of the contest. Charleston's offensive firepower was on full display.
 
With under a minute remaining in regulation, Cal U found itself up three points and on the verge of closing out the game. But a critical mistake in the closing seconds set the stage for the drama that would follow. With just 10 seconds left, the Vulcans sent Charleston's CJ Meredith to the line for a one-and-one situation. Meredith missed the front end of the free throws, but the Golden Eagles' hopes were kept alive when Cal U fouled him on a subsequent three-point attempt. Meredith, cool under pressure, drained all three free throws to tie the game at 81-81 and send it into overtime.
 
In the first overtime, the Vulcans regained a slight advantage, taking a one-point lead with less than 20 seconds remaining. But with the game on the line, Trevor Barrett showed his resolve. The Golden Eagles' guard drove the lane in the final seconds, drawing a foul and completing an and-one play to give Charleston the lead. Unfortunately, Barrett missed the ensuing free throw, and the game remained tied, forcing the contest into a second overtime.
 
In the second overtime, the Vulcans came out firing, quickly building a seven-point lead. Charleston's CJ Meredith and Barrett each had chances to cut into the lead, but a missed three-pointer from Meredith and several key defensive rebounds by the Vulcans sealed the deal. Cal PA maintained their composure down the stretch, and Whitehead hit two crucial free throws to extend the lead to 112-101. The game ended with a final layup from Charleston's Matthew Shelton, but it wasn't enough to close the gap, as the Vulcans held on for a 112-103 victory.
 
Even though it was a heart breaker for UC, the energy in Wehrle is clearly something to be excited about. A game like that is the perfect way to kick off the season, and if this game is any indication, there's a lot more excitement to come. Both teams put on a show, and this is the kind of game that will have fans on the edge of their seats all year.
 
- Dwaine Jones: 26 Points (11-19 FG, 2-6 3PT) / 7 Rebounds / 5 Assists
- CJ Meredith: 26 Points (8-11 FG, 3-6 3PT) / 4 Rebounds
- Matthew Shelton: 17 Points (6-12 FG, 3-8 3PT) / 7 Rebounds
- Trevor Barrett: 11 Points (4-13 FG, 1-4 3PT) / 5 Rebounds / 4 Assists