WHEELING – Glenville State's top ranked Lady Pioneers produced a valiant fourth quarter comeback in the MEC Championship game Sunday afternoon, but could not complete the comeback, falling to the University of Charleston 80-77. GSU was down nine with just over two minutes remaining, and in their final possession had an opportunity to tie the game.
It was a very entertaining title game, with each team trading punches throughout. Glenville led 23-17 after one quarter, and had the advantage extended to eight points at 39-31 with 3:39 left in the half. UC battled back, cutting the margin to 44-39 at the break.
Charleston opened the third quarter with a 13-1 surge, taking a 52-45 lead at the 5:19 mark. Glenville came off the mat this time, rallying to tie the game at 58-58 after three quarters. The Golden Eagles would forge back ahead 69-65, but a Taychaun Hubbard three-pointer cut the deficit to one at 69-68 with 5:30 remaining in the contest. UC answered with an 11-3 run, mounting an 80-71 lead with 2:40 remaining. Glenville would score the final six points of the contest.
Glenville was led by Zakiyah Winfield with 19 points and ten rebounds, and Abby Stoller with 19 points and eight rebounds. Re'Shawna Stone also came close to a double-double, scoring 14 points and hauling down nine rebounds. Hubbard added 12 points, and Dazha Congleton eight. Stone posted a team-high seven assists, with Winfield adding five.
GSU held a strong 38-27 advantage in team rebounding, but Charleston countered that with a strong day shooting. Charleston connected on 55% of their field goal attempts (31-of-56) while the Lady Pioneers shot 42 % (28-of-67). UC hit six three-pointers, with GSU hitting six. Stone had three makes beyond the arc, and Hubbard two.
Stone, Winfield and Hubbard were all named to the All-Tournament team. Winfield was awarded the event's "Heart and Hustle" Award.
Trinity Palacio led UC with 22 points, followed by Markyia McCormick with 19.
Glenville falls to 29-1 with the loss, while Charleston improves to 21-8.
Both teams now await the release of the Regional seeding and schedule.
