Game Preview: West Virginia State vs. Charleston

Date/Time: January 25, 2025, at 4:00 PM

Location: Walker Convocation Center, Institute, WV

Game Type: Mountain East Men's Basketball

University of Charleston: 11-5 Overall, ranked 2nd in the Mountain East Conference with a record of 8-2. The Golden Eagles are 5-3 on the road this season.

West Virginia State: 8-8 overall, ranked 7th in the MEC with a conference record of 4-5. The Yellow Jackets are 4-3 inside the Walker Convocation Center this season.

WVSU Player Highlights:

• Jae Slack: Leading scorer for WVSU, averaging 17.3 points per game, ranking 3rd in the MEC.

• Arthur Cox: Key contributor with 12.0 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game.

• Nate Mims: Second in the MEC with 4.1 defensive rebounds per game and averaging 10.4 points per game.

Team Statistics Summary - WVSU:

• Scoring: Averaging 86.1 points per game, 4th in the MEC.

• Rebounding: Averaging 38.8 rebounds per game, with a +0.6 margin.

• Field Goal Percentage: 47.2%, ranking 3rd in the MEC.

• Turnovers: Averaging 14.8 turnovers per game, ranking 7th.

Charleston Player Highlights:

• Ja'Corey Lipkins: Key contributor, averaging 13.6 points per game while shooting 44.4% from three-point range.

• CJ Meredith: Leading scorer with 16.8 points per game and 4.5 rebounds per game.

• Dwaine Jones: Leads the team in assists with 8.1 per game, leading the MEC.

Team Statistics Summary - Charleston:

• Scoring: Averaging 84.1 points per game, ranking 5th in the MEC.

• Field Goal Percentage: 49.2%, ranking 1st in the MEC.

• Three-Point Shooting: 40.6% from beyond the arc, ranking 1st in the MEC.

• Rebounding: Averaging 37.6 rebounds per game, averaging +1.1 rebounds per game.

Head-to-Head History:

• Charleston leads the all-time series 41-20.

• WVSU has won the last three matchups against Charleston.

Coaching Matchup:

• West Virginia State Head Coach: Bryan Poore (27th season, 423-320 record at WVSU; career record: 435-334).

• University of Charleston Head Coach: James Long (1st season at Charleston, 11-5 record; career record: 73-26).

Storylines:

• Close Contests: Both teams have been strong in close games this season. WVSU is 4-1 in games decided by five points or less, while Charleston is 3-2.

• Offensive Showdown: This matchup features two of the top three scoring offenses in the MEC.

Don't miss the action as these two conference rivals clash in a key MEC showdown!