Charleston defeats WV State for 7th straight win

Golden Eagles close out game at the free-throw line to secure victory

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:47am

The University of Charleston men's basketball team earned a strong conference victory over West Virginia State, winning 83-70 on Saturday. The Golden Eagles set the tone early with strong defense and transition offense, building a lead they would maintain throughout the game despite several pushes from West Virginia State. Charleston closed out the game confidently at the free-throw line to secure their 7th straight win.

Why it matters

This victory continues Charleston's strong conference play and extends their winning streak to 7 games. The Golden Eagles have established themselves as a top team in the Mountain East Conference with this performance, showcasing their depth, balance, and execution on both ends of the floor.

The details

Charleston set the tone early by forcing turnovers and converting in transition. Braden Chapman jump-started the offense with early finishes in the paint and perimeter shooting, while Matthew Shelton provided a steady presence inside. UC's ball movement and defensive activity allowed the Golden Eagles to build momentum, with Trevor Barrett knocking down multiple three-pointers and Jalen Rivens adding a fast-break score. Despite several pushes from West Virginia State, Charleston consistently answered, taking a 40-34 lead into halftime. The Golden Eagles opened the second half with purpose, as Shelton scored on a fast-break three and continued to attack the paint to extend the lead. West Virginia State trimmed the margin to one midway through the half, but Charleston responded with composure. Chapman connected on a key three-pointer, and Hamilton Campbell sparked a run with a transition layup and strong defensive play. Kaden Davis and Thomas Hailey added crucial baskets in the paint as UC rebuilt a multi-possession advantage. Down the stretch, Charleston closed the game with discipline and poise. Ben Nicol and Chapman converted consistently at the free-throw line, while the defense limited second-chance opportunities and forced late misses.

  • The game was played on Saturday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Braden Chapman

A key player for Charleston who jump-started the offense with early finishes in the paint and perimeter shooting.

Matthew Shelton

Provided a steady presence inside for Charleston and scored on a fast-break three to open the second half.

Trevor Barrett

Knocked down multiple three-pointers to help Charleston build momentum.

Jalen Rivens

Added a fast-break score for Charleston.

Hamilton Campbell

Sparked a run for Charleston with a transition layup and strong defensive play.

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What’s next

Charleston will host Wheeling University on a cold Wednesday evening inside the Wehrle Innovation Center with a 7:30PM schedule tipoff.

The takeaway

Charleston's balanced and disciplined performance against West Virginia State demonstrates the team's growth and potential as a top contender in the Mountain East Conference. The Golden Eagles' ability to maintain their composure and close out the game at the free-throw line highlights their maturity and execution, which will be crucial as they continue their conference play.