CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Charleston held on down the stretch as Fairmont State suffered its first setback of the season, 70-69, on Saturday evening at the Innovation Center in Charleston.
 
Fairmont State jumped out to a 28-13 lead at the 7:49 mark of the second quarter following a three by Hope Bray, but a 13-2 run over the next six minutes by UC closed Fairmont's lead to just four (30-26) as time ticked away in the opening half.
 
After UC went to the locker room facing a 35-30 deficit, the Golden Eagles scored the first eight points of the second half to jump out to their first lead of the game at 38-35, following a three by Abby Watson at the 7:07 mark. UC continued to push its lead to as many as seven (44-37) at the 4:00 mark of the third.
 
Late in the third with Charleston leading by two following another basket by Watson, the teams traded three on back-to-back possession, giving the Golden Eagles a 51-49 advantage with 10 minutes to play.
 
The game stayed within five points throughout the fourth quarter with UC holding a lead or the game being tied the entire period.
 
With the score tied at 64-64 with 1:15 to play, following a pair of free throws by Erin Danik, UC scored four-straight points to go ahead by four (68-64) with 22 ticks of the clock remaining.
 
On the next two possessions, the teams traded a pair of free throws and Charleston maintained its four-point lead. Danik trimmed UC's lead to just one after hitting a three with just six seconds remaining.
 
FSU fouled Watson on the next UC possession and both free throws rimmed off to give the Falcons one more chance at a game-winner. However, the desperation three was short and the Golden Eagles survived with a 70-69 win to open conference play.
 
Brooke Kurucz paced the Falcons (3-1, 0-1 MEC) with 22 points, four rebounds and six steals in the loss. Sierra Kotchman and Bray each chipped in 14 points apiece for the Falcons.
 
FSU managed just 35.7 percent from the field, despite going a respectable 9-of-22 from behind the arc (40.9%).
 
UC (1-1, 1-0 MEC) got a team-high 19 points and 13 rebounds from Octavia Loll. Watson also chipped in 18 points off the bench.
 
FSU will remain in the state's capital city until Monday evening when the Falcons take on West Virginia State at 5:30 p.m. in nearby Institute, W.Va.