Charleston, W.Va. –Charleston defeated the Glenville State Pioneers 84-69 with a strong second half effort. Ja'Corey Lipkins scored 22 points in the victory.  
 
The Basics:
Location: Wehrle Innovation Center
Score: UC 84, GSU 69
Records: UC 17-9 (13-6 MEC) Glenville 15-12 (9-10 MEC)
 
How it Happened:
The game started with Glenville State missing a 3-pointer, but it was the Charleston who struck first with a tip-in from Obinna Ugwuakazi. Glenville then responded with a three-pointer and the game remained tight through the opening minutes, becoming a tug-of-war as both teams traded baskets, with the largest lead at one point being just 5 points.

Heading into the final moments of the half, the score was tied at 37-37 after a quick layup from Blackwood for Glenville and a crucial three-pointer from Meredith for Charleston. With no team fully asserting control, it sets up an exciting second half for the Wehrle crowd.

Early on, both teams struggled with shooting, as several players missed layups and three-pointers. The first significant points came when Dwaine Jones of Charleston made a layup at 18:19, giving Charleston a 39-37 lead. Charleston continued to apply pressure, with key contributions from Ja'Corey Lipkins, including a layup at 17:28, pushing the lead to 41-38.

Throughout the second half, both teams exchanged baskets, but Charleston's shooting, led by Lipkins and Dwaine Jones, allowed them to gradually extend their lead. At the 16:32 mark, a fast-break layup by Matthew Shelton increased Charleston's lead to 45-38. Despite a few key efforts from Glenville, the home team, Charleston, was able to maintain and build on its lead.

Glenville continued to battle, but Charleston's defense and ability to capitalize on turnovers, kept their lead safe. At the 2:11 mark, after a free throw by Obinna Ugwuakazi, Charleston was up 78-66.

Late in the game, Barrett Trevor hit free throws, and Jones scored again in the paint, helping Charleston secure an 84-69 victory. Despite a strong push from Glenville in the closing minutes, Charleston held onto their commanding lead.
 
Up Next:
Charleston will close out the regular season at home against cross-town rival West Virginia State on Saturday, March 1^st. Tipoff is slated for a 4:00PM start following the completion of the women's contest.