10:06am: Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval

Russell’s championship record propels UC over Glenville State

— Story by Taylor Kennedy

WHEELING, W.Va. — The University of Charleston captured its first Mountain East Conference tournament title. It is the program’s first conference championship since the 2005-06 season. The Golden Eagles defeated the Glenville State, 87-80.

“It was a crazy one,” said first-year head coach Tianni Kelly. “I am super proud of the way we fought. Going into it we were confident. They continued to fight, and they stayed together.”

Kelly is a UC alum. She was on the 2014 team that lost to Glenville State in the league championship game. The win on Sunday hit home for her.

“I tell everyone that God has been extremely good to me,” said Russell. “We are extremely blessed. I did not think this was possible going into it. The team bought in, and we stuck together all year and here we are.”

Kelly has made an immediate impact on her team. Erykah Russell appreciates everything Kelly has done in a short amount of time.

Charleston head coach Tianni Kelly cuts down the net after winning the MEC Championship (Photo by Sam Santilli)

“I think that coach has brought in a lot of trust and heart into the team,” said Russell of her coach. “She helps keep us together and motivated. Her trusting in all of us, individually, keeps us going and able to be the best player we can be. I think her coming in and giving us that confidence has been a big impact on our team.”

UC was led by a record setting performance by redshirt senior Erykah Russell. Russell set a MEC championship game record with 39 points. 23 of Russell’s points came in the second half.

“E is extremely unique in the fact that she has great size,” said Kelly on Russell’s performance. “You can throw it to her on the block, and she is extremely athletic and can handle the ball well enough she can push in the break or finish at the rim. She is a nightmare of a matchup. Extremely proud of the way she played.

“I knew E was locked in. I could see it in her eyes and all over her face. Whenever E is locked in she is a nightmare to guard. I am extremely proud of the way she performed today.”

The Lady Pioneers led the majority of the game. They led for 34 minutes. UC, however, only led for 1:54.

“Their relentlessness and heart,” said Kelly of her team’s ability to not give up. “We were resilient. It was kind of the opposite of the last time we played them. We led the entire game and we let it slip away from us. It was exciting to finish it out and pull it out.”

Russell was named the conference tournament’s most outstanding player after averaging 25 points in three games in Wheeling. She recorded 12 points Saturday evening and 26 points against Alderson Broaddus.

“I think the biggest thing that keeps me going is my teammates,” said Russell on her tournament performance. “I think as long as we stay together and stay motivated and keep moving forward that keeps me motivated.”

Glenville State and Charleston split the regular season series. Both games were decided by five points or less. The Lady Pioneers won the last matchup in Charleston.

“We all felt that loss the last time it happened,” said Russell on her motivation after that loss. “It was a big time for us to come back and get that rematch and redeem ourselves after that.”

Charleston has earned the top seed in the NCAA Atlantic Regional in Columbus, Ohio. Glenville State is the No. 2 seed. Both teams received first round byes and will open play Saturday, March 13.





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