Charleston, W.Va. — The University of Charleston men's basketball team turned in one of its most complete performances of the season on Saturday, rolling past Fairmont State 85–63 in Mountain East Conference action at the Wehrle Arena.
The Basics:
Location: Wehlre Innovation Center
Score: UC 85, FSU 63
Records: Charleston 5-6 (2-4 MEC), Fairmont State 9-3 (4-2 MEC)
How it Happened:
From the opening tip, the Golden Eagles set the tone on both ends of the floor, building a 35–21 halftime advantage and never allowing the Falcons to seriously threaten in the second half.
Charleston's offense was balanced and efficient throughout the afternoon, with six players scoring at least eight points. Braden Chapman led the way with a team-high 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, adding four rebounds and three steals in an active all-around performance. Matthew Shelton followed with 16 points while contributing five rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal, anchoring the Golden Eagles defensively and providing a steady scoring presence inside.
The depth of UC's lineup proved to be a major factor as the game wore on. Ben Nicol and Eli Robertson each scored 12 points, with Robertson knocking down four three-pointers off the bench to give Charleston a spark and stretch the lead in the second half. Thomas Hailey added eight points and five rebounds, while Kaden Davis chipped in eight points as well, highlighting the Golden Eagles' ability to get production from multiple spots on the floor.
As a team, Charleston shot an impressive 51.9 percent from the field and connected on 13-of-28 attempts from beyond the arc. The Golden Eagles also made life difficult for Fairmont State defensively, holding the Falcons to just three made three-pointers and forcing tough shots throughout the game. The 22-point victory marks a significant conference win for Charleston and showcased the potential of a team clicking on both ends of the court.
Up Next:
Charleston will head north to play Point Park on Thursday, January 8
th at 6:00PM for an MEC matchup.
