Charleston, WV – The University of Charleston returned to the Wehrle Innovation Center on Saturday to face undefeated Thomas More University.

The Basics

• Location: Wehrle Innovation Center
• Final Score: UC 54, TMU 68
• Records: Charleston (2-2), Thomas More (4-0)

How It Happened
Fresh off a midweek win over Virginia State, UC entered the game looking to build momentum, and the Golden Eagles came out firing. In under five minutes, Charleston knocked down five three-pointers, including three from Paris Stokes, to jump out to an early 11-point lead. Thomas More, however, responded with poise. The Saints chipped away throughout the opening quarter and trimmed UC's lead to just three by the buzzer.
The second quarter proved to be the turning point. Switching to a zone defense, the Saints disrupted Charleston's rhythm, forcing numerous turnovers and converting them into points on the other end. UC managed only five points in the period, and Thomas More took a 13-point advantage into halftime.

Charleston faced a steep climb in the second half, but the Saints' defensive pressure only intensified. While Stokes continued to shine, scoring all eight of UC's points in the third quarter, Thomas More's offense kept rolling, stretching the lead to 24 heading into the final period.
The Golden Eagles made a push in the fourth. Laia Santanach scored her first points at Wehrle with a three-pointer to open the quarter, and both Stokes and Harper Annarino worked to spark a rally. But the early deficit was too much to overcome, and Thomas More held on for a 68–54 victory.

Thomas More's defense was the story of the day, forcing 25 turnovers and converting them into 24 points. The Saints also dominated the paint, outscoring UC 38–14. Stokes led all scorers with 25 points in an impressive performance.

Up Next
Charleston hits the road to face Edinboro University of Pennsylvania on Wednesday, November 26 at 2:00 PM.