Charleston, WV – Charleston returned to the Wehrle Innovation Center on Saturday night looking for revenge against Frostburg State, a team that handed the Golden Eagles a loss earlier this season. UC delivered, holding off the Bobcats for a hard-fought 74–70 victory.
The Basics
- Location: Wehrle Innovation Center
- Final Score: UC 74, FSU 70
- Records: Charleston (14-8, 11-4 MEC), Frostburg State (10-12, 6-9 MEC)
How It Happened
The opening quarter was a defensive grind, with scoring at a premium. Livia O'Dea opened the game with a three-pointer just one minute in, but Frostburg quickly answered from long range. Natalie Smith followed with a three of her own, while Paris Stokes added two free throws. Those were the only points through the first eight minutes. Both offenses found some rhythm late in the quarter, and UC carried a 15–7 lead into the second.
Frostburg came out strong in the second quarter, knocking down two quick three-pointers to cut the deficit to two. Faith Whalen responded to give Charleston some breathing room, but the Bobcats stayed within striking distance. With 2:32 remaining, Frostburg claimed its first lead of the night, 26–25. UC answered immediately, as Paris Stokes knocked down a jumper following a Natalie Smith steal to spark a late run. Charleston headed into halftime with a 31–27 advantage.
Jordan Scully opened the second half with a three-pointer to keep momentum on UC's side. The Golden Eagles maintained a steady lead for much of the third quarter, but Frostburg surged late behind Ayla Hileman and Julie Spinelli. The Bobcats briefly regained the lead with two minutes left in the period, but Natalie Smith delivered back-to-back three-pointers to swing things back in Charleston's favor. UC led 53–48 heading into the fourth.
The final quarter mirrored much of the night. Charleston held a slim lead early, but Frostburg surged again, taking the lead on another Hileman three with 6:11 remaining. The Bobcats stayed in front until Ksenija Mitric secured a defensive rebound and drilled a clutch three-pointer to put UC back on top. Frostburg tied it shortly after, but Mitric answered once more from beyond the arc. Paris Stokes sealed the win at the free-throw line as the Golden Eagles closed out a 74–70 victory.
Charleston showcased its balanced attack, with five different players scoring 11 or more points.
Next Up
The Golden Eagles hit the road next, traveling to Salem to take on the Tigers on Wednesday, February 11, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m.
