WHEELING, W.Va. -- The University of Charleston used a game-changing 17-3 scoring run early in the second half to earn an 84-77 semifinal victory over Fairmont State on Saturday night at WesBanco Arena.
 
Fairmont State, who fell to 23-7 following the loss, was ranked No. 4 in the Atlantic Region Ranking and will likely receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Atlantic Regional next weekend. It would be Fairmont's sixth regional bid in the past eight seasons.
 
After Fairmont State took a six-point lead (44-38) following a three by Kenzie Melko-Marshall at the 15:56 mark of the second half, Charleston reeled off six-straight points that ballooned into a 17-3 scoring advantage over the next seven minutes to turn the tide of the close game.
 
During the stretch, Fairmont State managed just one field goal and one free throw and had over a four-minute scoring draught.
 
Prior to UC's scoring run, the game featured six ties and eight lead changes.
 
Fairmont State would pull within five on a handful of occasions and got as close as four points at the 2:58 mark of the second half, but each time UC answered to extend its lead - not allowing the Falcons to complete the comeback.
 
Charleston shot 55 percent from the field and held a 36-20 rebounding advantage in the victory. Ten of Charleston's rebounds were on the offensive end, which led to 13 second-chance points for the Golden Eagles.
 
Fairmont State, on the other hand, shot 47 percent from the field and forced UC into 18 turnovers on the defensive end of the floor. Fairmont State scored 25 points off turnovers in the setback.
 
Isaiah Sanders led three double-figure scoring for the Falcons with 22 points on 8-of-13 from the field. The Falcons also got 19 points from Dale Bonner, and 12 from junior Kenzie Melko-Marshall.
 
In the game, Melko-Marshall became the 51^st player in Fairmont State men's basketball history to go over 1,000 career points. Melko entered the game with 994 points and now has 1,006 points in his three years with the Falcons.
 
UC had all five starters in double-figures, including a team-high 22 points and 11 rebounds from Devon Robinson. Drew Rackley also chipped in 15 points and four assists, and Keith Williams tallied 14.
 
UC hit 9-of-19 attempts from behind the arc (47.4%), compared to just 8-of-22 for the Falcons (36.4%).
 
Charleston (25-5) will now prepare for tomorrow's MEC Tournament Championship Game against top-seeded West Liberty. Tip is set for 5 p.m. at WesBanco Arena.