CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia State fell to the University of Charleston, 83–70, Saturday afternoon inside the H. Bernard Wehrle Arena as the Golden Eagles used transition scoring and paint production to hold off the Yellow Jackets in Mountain East Conference play. State slipped to 5–13 overall and 2–9 in league action, while Charleston improved to 11–6 (7–4 MEC).

West Virginia State stayed within striking distance for much of the contest, trimming the deficit to a single point midway through the second half, but Charleston answered each surge with timely baskets and late free throws to pull away. The Golden Eagles shot 53.7 percent from the floor and converted 18 Yellow Jacket turnovers into 23 points, including 19 in transition.

Charleston carried a 40–34 lead into halftime after controlling the interior early, scoring 22 first-half points in the paint. West Virginia State countered with perimeter shooting, knocking down four three-pointers before the break, and closed the half with a late push to keep the margin manageable.

The Yellow Jackets opened the second half with energy on both ends, using defensive pressure and efficient trips to the foul line to pull within 46–45 at the 16-minute mark. Andrew Shull and Jaylen Subject each connected from beyond the arc during the run, while Trey Harris consistently attacked the rim to keep the game tight. Charleston responded with a stretch of paint touches and second-chance opportunities, rebuilding its cushion to double figures before closing out the game at the line.

Harris led West Virginia State with 19 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists and three steals while going 13-of-16 at the foul line. Shull finished with 15 points on four three-pointers, and Aymeric Toussaint provided an efficient interior presence with 14 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting performance and six rebounds. Hassan Belkhaddar added nine points, five boards and two blocks.

Charleston was paced by Braden Chapman's game-high 24 points, while Matthew Shelton contributed 17 points off the bench. The Golden Eagles held a 32–25 rebounding advantage and scored 38 points in the paint to maintain control down the stretch.

West Virginia State returns home on Wednesday to host West Liberty at the Walker Convocation Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.