Charleston Cougars Celebrate Christmas Eve with Win Over Loyola Chicago
Charleston, HI – In a thrilling matchup at the Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu, the College of Charleston Cougars emerged victorious against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers with a final score of 77-68 on December 23, 2024. This victory marks Charleston’s ninth win of the season, improving their record to 9-3.
Game Overview
The game took place at the SimpliFi Arena, where the Cougars were keen to secure a win ahead of their upcoming Christmas Day match. The stakes were high, as a loss would have forced the team to wake up early for an 8:30 a.m. tipoff on Christmas morning. Thanks to their decisive win, the Cougars are now set for a more leisurely start on December 25, with their next game scheduled for 11 a.m. local time.
Key Players
Leading the charge for the Cougars was Deywilk Tavarez, who delivered an impressive season-high of 30 points. Tavarez’s performance was pivotal, particularly in the closing minutes of the first half. He initiated a remarkable turnaround after Charleston found themselves down by ten points. His final moments of the first half included scoring 12 points during a blistering 16-3 run, culminating in a critical three-pointer right before half-time that propelled the Cougars to a 37-34 lead.
“I started off a little slow today,” Tavarez reflected. “But my teammates kept my confidence up, telling me to keep shooting.” His persistence paid off, as he hit four consecutive three-pointers at the end of the half, showcasing his ability to reclaim momentum for his team.
Second Half Surge
The second half saw Derrin Boyd stepping up significantly, contributing 16 points, with 13 points scored after the intermission. Boyd’s contributions came during a crucial 10-2 run that allowed Charleston to maintain their lead and push further ahead in the second half.
Coach Chris Mack praised Tavarez and Boyd, stating, “Deywilk’s performance there for the final four minutes of the first half was incredible. Derrin is starting to find his offensive rhythm.” Tavarez’s earlier struggles went unnoticed as his teammates rallied around him, showcasing the spirit and determination of the Cougars.
Rebounding Battle
Despite their victory, the Cougars had to compensate for their disadvantage on the boards, as they were out-rebounded 40-29 by the Ramblers. Mack acknowledged this struggle: “Loyola really took it to us on the glass… We have to be way more stout than we are right now under the basket.” Nevertheless, Charleston’s resilience allowed them to overcome this height disparity.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, the Cougars are set to face either Charlotte or Murray State on Christmas morning. With the momentum from this win, the team is hopeful for continued success in the tournament.
As the players prepare for their next challenge, the victory against Loyola Chicago not only secures a better schedule on Christmas but also serves as a confidence booster as the Cougars head deeper into the season.
For updates on the team’s performance, fans can keep an eye on upcoming match reports and basketball news.
