INSTITUTE, W.Va. — West Virginia State fell 75–58 to Charleston (WV) in Mountain East Conference play Saturday afternoon at the Walker Convocation Center.

The Yellow Jackets (12-15, 8-12 MEC) were within 18–16 after one quarter, but Charleston (18-10, 14-6 MEC) limited WVSU to seven points in the second to take a 40–23 lead into halftime. State steadied in the third quarter and matched the Golden Eagles 19–19 to make it 59–42 heading to the fourth, but the visitors maintained control down the stretch.

Imani Hickman carried the offense with 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three and 7-of-9 at the line. Latisha Parris added 11 points and nine rebounds, and Ahjanae Young finished with eight points and nine boards. Baylee Goins grabbed four assists and recorded two blocks.

WVSU blocked seven shots as a team and scored 28 points in the paint. Charleston's second-chance opportunities proved decisive, as the Golden Eagles finished with 25 offensive rebounds and a 52–40 edge on the glass.

West Virginia State will now turn its attention to the Mountain East Conference Women's Basketball Tournament. The Yellow Jackets have earned the No. 8 seed and will face No. 9 seed West Liberty on Wednesday, March 4 at 2:30 p.m at Wheeling's Wesbanco Arena.