ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. -- Elizabeth City State men's basketball fell 87–69 to the University of Charleston at the H. Bernard Wehrle Arena. The Vikings moved to 0–3 on the year, while the Golden Eagles improved to 3–2.

ECSU found early rhythm offensively, but Charleston's perimeter shooting proved to be the difference. The Golden Eagles knocked down 12 three-pointers and shot 48.4 percent from the field overall, using a late first-half push to build a 38–28 lead at the break. Charleston carried that momentum into the second half, scoring 49 points and stretching its advantage with a 16–9 edge in second-chance opportunities.

Junior guard Trevor Smith turned in his strongest performance of the season, scoring a team-high 19 points on 5-of-13 shooting while grabbing seven rebounds and hitting all six of his free throws. Senior Jaquantae Harris added 17 points in just 18 minutes, including a perfect 6-for-6 at the line.

Freshman forward Braylon Wheeler supplied a boost off the bench with six points and three boards, while Tailon Manson added four points—all from the free-throw line—as the Vikings' reserves combined for 24 points.

Despite being held to 36.5 percent shooting, ECSU stayed aggressive at the stripe, going 26-for-32 (81.3%). The Vikings also pulled down 32 rebounds, led by Smith's seven and Joseph Thompson's five.

Charleston countered with a balanced offensive attack as six Golden Eagles scored eight or more points. Matthew Shelton posted 17 points and seven rebounds, while Jalen Rivens added 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting to lead a bench unit that contributed 35 points.

Up Next for ECSU
ECSU returns to the court on November 29 when the Vikings host Johnson C. Smith in their CIAA opener at the R.L. Vaughan Center.