WHEELING, W.Va. – The Glenville State Men's Basketball team took down the third-seeded University of Charleston, 77-65, in the in the Quarterfinals of the Mountain East Conference Tournament earlier today, despite being swept in the regular season by the Golden Eagles. The Pioneers will advance to the Semifinals for the first time since 2021.
In the first half, the Golden Eagles got things started with a 4-0 run. The Pioneers would rebuttal with a 5-0 run to take the lead and set the tone for the game. Both teams battled back and forth with neither able to get an edge until the Golden Eagles managed to gain a nine-point lead over the Pioneers at the eleven-minute mark. The Pioneers stayed calm and collected as they eventually got the UC lead down and regained the advantage after a Sameir Kinsler three. However, the Charleston wouldn't let the game get out of hand and both teams would go into the half tied at 28 points each.
In the second stanza, the Pioneers came out of the locker room looking to put the Golden Eagles away as they started on an explosive 14-2 run. In an effort to cut the Pioneers lead down, the Golden Eagles would go on a 7-2, trimming the deficit to five. Glenville State's advantage grew back to double digits before the Golden Eagles made it a two-possession game a couple of times. With two minutes left to play, GSU only led by five points but a three-point dagger from the freshman Elijah Redfern made it an eight-point lead, eventually leading to a 77-65 win for the blue and white.
Final Stats
Charleston
The Golden Eagles were led by MEC Freshman of the Year Ja'Corey Lipkins, who had 19 points, seven rebounds and a block on the night. The playmaker Dwaine Jones had a solid night with 10 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Matthew Shelton led the Golden Eagles on the boards tonight eight in the loss. Both Shelton and Obinna Ugwuakazi led the team in blocks with two apiece.
Glenville State
The Pioneers were led in scoring by freshman Elijah Redfern, who scored 21 points in the big win. Guard Samier Kinsler was big tonight as he contributed 16 points, six rebounds and a steal. Freshman Ammar Maxwell did it all by scoring 14 points with eight rebounds and blocking one shot. Freshman Don Colon-Lewis was huge on the boards, grabbing a team-high of 14 rebounds while also contributing on defense with two steals and one block.
Up Next For The Pioneers
The Pioneer Men's Basketball team moves on to the Semifinals to face the #2 seed Fairmont State on Saturday (Mar. 8) at the WesBanco Arena. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m.
