Mountain State Times

Senators Upset Charleston in MEC Quarterfinal

Davis & Elkins, the number six seed used a hot-shooting and strong defensive effort in the first half to build a 45-22 lead at halftime and held off a second half charge from the third-seeded University of Charleston to win 77-72 in the Mountain East Conference Tournament quarterfinal round.

Prior to the contest, junior guard Sam Rolle IV joined MEC Commissioner Reid Amos mid-court to receive his All-MEC First Team plaque. Head Coach Daniel Mondragon was also recognized by Commissioner Amos as MEC Coach-of-the Year.

D&E built the twenty-three point lead on 18-29 (62.1%) shooting in the first half. They also shot 50% from three-point range and 85.7% from the free throw line.

By contrast, Charleston shot just 5 of 27 (18.5%) and 1 of 10 from three in the half.

To open the second half, Breland Walton scored on a layup to put the Senators up by 25. This would prove to be D&E's largest lead of the game and the point at which Charleston began chipping away at the lead.

The Golden Eagles put in a solid offensive attack of their own in the second half, scoring 50 points on 45.5% shooting. They also made 16 of 18 (88.9%) of their free throws.

D&E found themselves in a bit of foul trouble in the second half as DJ Henderson fouled out and Evan Busby, Claren Pierre, and Rolle each picked up four fouls.

D&E's second half offensive production dropped off in the second half, shooting just 9 of 26 (34.6%) from the field and 13 of 21 (61.9%) from the free throw line. The Senators scored just one three pointer on 1 of 6 attempts. They managed to pour in 32 points, however to hold Charleston off for the win.

Rolle led all scorers in the contest with 26 points, 4 assists, and 6 steals. Jordan Alexander poured in 14 points, including a pair of three-pointers. Walton collected a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Vadim Clanet posted 8 points and 9 rebounds. Pierre added 6 points, 6 rebound, and 3 blocks. Busby chipped in 6 points and 7 rebounds. Charleston Ponds and Ashton Lovette added 2 points apiece.

Charleston had four players in double figures: Keith Williams (17), Eddie Colbert III (13), Tyler Eberhart (12), and CJ Meredith (12).

D&E extends their season at 19-10 overall and 12-10 in the MEC. They play the MEC Tournament's number two seed Fairmont State in the MEC Semifinal at 8:30pm Saturday, March 4 at Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling, W.Va.

Tickets, brackets, live stats, and live video available here 

Original source can be found here