Frostburg, MD – Riding a two-game winning streak, the University of Charleston looked to build momentum as it took on conference rival Frostburg State University on the road.
The Basics
- Location: Bobcat Arena
- Final Score: UC 60, FSU 68
- Records: Charleston (5-5, 3-2 MEC), Frostburg (5-6, 2-3 MEC)
How It Happened
The game opened with a defensive battle, as neither team scored in the first two minutes. Frostburg State struck first, jumping out to an early five-point lead before Ksenija Mitric answered with a three-pointer and a free throw. The two teams traded baskets throughout the remainder of the first quarter, which ended deadlocked at 18–18.
The second quarter followed a similar script. Frostburg again built a five-point advantage early, but Charleston responded with a dominant 14–0 run, highlighted by eight points from last week's MEC Player of the Week, Harper Annarino. The Bobcats answered with a defensive surge of their own, holding UC scoreless over the final three and a half minutes of the half. Despite the late drought, Charleston carried a 32–29 lead into the locker room.
Annarino opened the second half with a layup, but Charleston struggled to find its offensive rhythm in the third quarter. Over a six-minute stretch, the Golden Eagles managed just one field goal, coming from leading scorer Paris Stokes. Charleston's defense kept the game within reach, however, and both teams found their scoring touch late in the period. Mikaella Savva scored UC's final points of the quarter off a Mitric assist, but Frostburg State took a 47–42 lead into the final frame.
The Bobcats quickly pushed their advantage to double digits with a three-pointer at the 8:09 mark. Charleston battled to regain momentum, using two tip-ins and a free throw to cut the deficit to seven. A Natalie Smith three-pointer later brought UC within five, but Frostburg never allowed the Golden Eagles to get any closer. The Bobcats controlled the closing minutes and secured the 68–60 victory.
Annarino led Charleston with 15 points and added 10 rebounds for a double-double performance.
Next Up
Charleston wraps up play before the holiday break with a road matchup at Bluefield State University on December 20, with tipoff set for 2:00 p.m.
