Charleston, WV – The Golden Eagles returned to the Wehrle Innovation Center on Wednesday night for a Mountain East Conference showdown against West Virginia Wesleyan, with both teams entering the contest at 5–2 in conference play.

The Basics

• Location: Wehrle Innovation Center
• Final Score: UC 53, WVW 51
• Records: Charleston (9-6, 6-2 MEC), West Virginia Wesleyan (7-4, 5-3 MEC)

How It Happened
Charleston opened the game with a slightly altered lineup, using Paris Stokes and Bridget Womber as energy players off the bench. Ksenija Mitric got the Golden Eagles on the board first with a layup, but Wesleyan quickly answered. From there, freshman Jordan Scully took over the opening quarter. Scully knocked down a three-pointer and followed it with three layups, showcasing her ball-handling and attacking ability. UC held a slim 12–10 advantage after one.

The Bobcats found their rhythm early in the second quarter, jumping out to a four-point lead just over two minutes in. Charleston struggled to find consistent offense as Wesleyan controlled the tempo. A Bobcat three-pointer pushed the lead to six with two minutes remaining, but Scully struck again, drilling a triple with 10 seconds left to cut the deficit to 21–18 at halftime.

Charleston came out strong in the third quarter, opening with a 10–2 run capped by a corner three from Faith Whalen. Wesleyan responded with a timeout, which shifted momentum. The Bobcats closed the quarter on an 18–7 run over the final four minutes, taking a 41–35 lead into the final period.

Facing a six-point deficit, Mitric sparked the comeback, scoring the Golden Eagles' first six points of the fourth quarter. Womber followed with a tip-in to tie the game at 43. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, setting up a dramatic finish.
With 2:28 remaining, Scully's jumper was blocked, leading to a Wesleyan fastbreak basket and a three-point Bobcat lead. Stokes answered by getting to the free-throw line twice, converting three of four attempts to knot the score at 51. Wesleyan had a chance to win at the buzzer, but the final shot missed. After Mitric secured the rebound, officials put 0.9 seconds back on the clock.
Out of the timeout, head coach Bubby Johnson drew up the game-winner. Mitric delivered a perfect pass to Harper Annarino under the basket, and Annarino converted at the buzzer to lift Charleston to a thrilling 53–51 victory.

Scully led the Golden Eagles with a career-high 18 points, shooting an efficient 7-for-11 from the field.

Next Up 
Charleston hits the road on Saturday, January 17, traveling to Elkins to face Davis & Elkins at 2:00 p.m.