Charleston, W.Va. — The University of Charleston men's basketball team put together a strong offensive performance and held off a tough Concord University squad for a 102-91 victory in Mountain East Conference play.
The Basics:
Location: Wehrle Innovation Center
Score: UC 102 CU 91
Records: Charleston 10-6 (6-4 MEC), Concord 10-6 (7-3 MEC)
 
How it Happened:
The Golden Eagles controlled the tempo through the opening minutes, forcing turnovers and converting them into points, while Matthew Shelton quickly made his presence felt inside and out. Shelton scored multiple times in the paint and knocked down a pair of three-pointers as Charleston steadily built its lead, stretching the margin to double digits midway through the half. Strong ball movement led to open looks, with assists coming from several different players as the Golden Eagles surged ahead.
 
After Concord trimmed the deficit with timely perimeter shooting, Charleston responded with depth and balance off the bench. Kaden Davis and Trevor Barrett provided scoring inside, while Jalen Rivens added a fast-break finish and later buried a three-pointer in the final minute. Defensively, Charleston continued to pressure the ball, generating steals from Shelton, Hailey, and Hamilton Campbell, which led to easy transition points. Shelton capped the half with a jumper and free throw in the final seconds as the Golden Eagles carried a 47–36 advantage into halftime, firmly in control after a fast-paced and physical opening 20 minutes.
 
Charleston opened the second half by maintaining its aggressiveness inside, continuing to attack the paint while weathering an early Concord push from beyond the arc. The Mountain Lions trimmed the deficit to single digits, but the Golden Eagles answered with strong interior play from Braden Chapman and Matthew Shelton, along with a timely tip-in from Thomas Hailey. Charleston repeatedly regained momentum through second-chance points and free throws, with Hamilton Campbell converting three straight foul shots to help push the lead back to double figures midway through the half.
 
Concord continued to battle, eventually pulling even at 69–69 with just over eight minutes remaining, but Charleston responded with composure. Kaden Davis knocked down a key three-pointer and added a driving layup, while Hailey took control in the paint, finishing through contact and igniting the crowd with a powerful dunk during a decisive stretch. The Golden Eagles also benefited from strong ball pressure, as steals by Hailey, Campbell, and Matthew Shelton led to transition scoring that helped Charleston reclaim control late.
 
Down the stretch, Charleston executed efficiently to close out the game, leaning on free throws and timely baskets to keep Concord at arm's length. Chapman delivered a clutch three-pointer and finished multiple possessions at the rim, while Shelton converted at the line and forced late turnovers on the defensive end. The Golden Eagles sealed the victory at the free-throw line in the final seconds, extending their lead and securing a 102–91 win, completing a strong second-half performance built on toughness, depth, and poise in conference play.
 
Up Next:
Charleston will host rival West Virginia State on Saturday, January 24^th inside the Wehrle Innovation Center. The time is currently set for a 4:00PM tipoff but subject to change due to inclement weather.