Wheeling, W.Va. — Charleston fell by a close margin to the Cardinals of Wheeling University Saturday on the road.
 
The Basics:
Location: Alma McDonough Center
Score: UC 75, WU 77
Records: Charleston 4-5 (1-3 MEC), Wheeling 5-3 (2-1 MEC)
 
How it Happened:
Charleston opened the game with strong defensive intensity and early trips to the free-throw line, though shots were slow to fall in the opening minutes. Ben Nicol knocked down an early three to give UC a brief advantage before Wheeling answered to even the score
 
Midway through the first half, Matthew Shelton provided a spark in the paint, while Hamilton Campbell helped facilitate the offense. Back-to-back fast-break layups from Braden Chapman and Kaden Davis helped trim the deficit, and Charleston continued to battle on the glass. Despite Wheeling pushing the pace late in the half, the Golden Eagles closed strong, cutting the margin to 35–31 at the break.
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Charleston carried that momentum into the second half, continuing to attack the basket and challenge Wheeling defensively. Shelton opened the half with a powerful dunk, and UC remained composed as it chipped away at the deficit. Three-pointers from Davis and Ayinde Taylor sparked a key run that brought Charleston within five, and the Golden Eagles' defensive effort began to create opportunities in transition.

With just over 10 minutes remaining, Charleston erased the deficit entirely when Jalen Rivens connected from beyond the arc to tie the game at 55. The momentum swung back and forth down the stretch, as UC briefly took the lead behind strong finishes from Thomas Hailey and Campbell. With under four minutes to play, Charleston pushed its advantage to four after Braden Chapman converted a pair of free throws, marking the Golden Eagles' largest lead of the night.

Wheeling answered with timely baskets to set up a dramatic final minute. Charleston remained poised, retaking a two-point lead at the free-throw line with just over a minute remaining. The Golden Eagles forced a key defensive stop, but Wheeling connected on a late three-pointer in the final seconds to regain the lead. A final push by Charleston came up just short, as Wheeling sealed the contest at the line.

Up Next:
Charleston will head to Frostburg State on Thursday, December 18^th to take on the Bobcats with a 7:30PM scheduled tipoff.