SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio– With 27 points scored, two assists and a rebound, DeAirius Barker helped push the No.16 University of Charleston men's basketball team past the Notre Dame Falcons (11-11, 6-10 MEC), 86-67. This matches his career high which was set earlier this season against the West Liberty Hilltoppers. The junior also shot .727 (8-11) from the floor, a clean 1.000 (8-8) from the line and .500 (3-6) from three. Currently, Barker tops the Free Throw Percentage category in the Mountain East Conference at .888 (71-80).
The Golden Eagles improve to 19-3 overall and 14-2 in conference play with this win. They continue to lead the MEC, as West Liberty follows closely behind with a conference record of 12-3. Charleston's defense is the best in the MEC, while Eddie Colbert III leads in field goal percentage (.522) and Dwaine Jones leads in assists (123, 5.6 avg).
The Basics:
Location: South Euclid, Ohio
Score: 86-67 (UCWV)
How it Happened:
Charleston got off to a slow start, as Notre Dame scored the first six points of the game on layups. The first four points for the Golden Eagles came off free throws and a layup by Colbert III to cut the deficit to two. NDC extended their lead on another basket, but a trey by Colbert III made the score 8-7. A layup by CJ Meredith gave UC the lead, but it would trade hands until the Golden Eagles jumped in front 17-15 on a jump shot by Jones. The Falcons began losing momentum from that point on, and they were unable to catch up to the Golden Eagles. The first frame featured triples by Colbert III (1), Meredith (1) and Barker (2), as Charleston closed out the half leading 42-30.
The Golden Eagles only got stronger in the second half with the first six points coming off of Eberhart, Jones and Barker. Charleston kept piling on with Wilson placing two slam dunks in a row in less than two minutes of game play. Barker also gained momentum, as he scored 18 of his 27 points in the second frame. The Golden Eagles improved the shooting from .444 (16-36) in the first to .464 (13-28) in the second.
Barker led the Golden Eagles with 27 points scored. Other leaders for Charleston include Colbert III, Meredith and Wilson. Colbert III put up 14 points with five rebounds, an assist and a steal, while Meredith put up 13 with four rebounds and a steal. Wilson also led the team with 10 rebounds and two blocks.
Up Next:
The Golden Eagles continue their stellar 2023-2024 campaign at home on Saturday, February 17 versus Salem University (6-17). The game will take place at 4pm in the Wehrle Innovation Center. Charleston started its season with a 78-63 win over the Tigers, and they look to repeat this weekend.
