SLIPPERY ROCK — Khalid Gates scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds Saturday as the Slippery Rock University men’s basketball team defeated Charleston, 73-59, at Morrow Field House.

The win gave The Rock its first 5-0 start since the 2009-10 season and only the fourth since the program joined Division II.

Amante Britt had 13 points and four rebounds, Bobby Clifford 10 points and seven rebounds for SRU. Lashon Lindsey produced nine points and seven rebounds.

SRU forced the visiting Golden Eagles into 21 turnovers.

After beginning the season with five home games, SRU visits Shepherd at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

SRU (women) 86, Fairmont State 82

Despite leading scorers Deleah Gibson and Isabellah Middleton sitting out the final minutes of regulation, The Rock improved to 5-1 with its fifth straight win Sunday at Morrow Field House.

Gibson scored 28 points, grabbed four rebounds and had a pair of steals for SRU while Middleton collected 24 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. Kennedy Middleton tallied her fifth consecutive double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. She had seven assists as well.

Butler graduate Jordan Kauffman came off the bench to score five points.

Fairmont State slipped to 4-1 with the loss. The Rock is off to just its second 5-1 start in 24 seasons.

SRU travels to Shepherd Friday night.