Charleston Men’s Basketball Secures 20th Win
Charleston, S.C. – February 19, 2024
The College of Charleston men’s basketball team achieved a significant milestone on Monday night as they secured their 20th win of the season by defeating William & Mary 66-57 at TD Arena. This victory solidified their position at the top of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) standings, showcasing their dominance in the conference.
Strong Start with Rodgers Leading the Charge
The game kicked off with an impressive steal and score by Kobe Rodgers, setting the tone for the Cougars early on. However, Charleston faced a challenging period where they struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 1-for-8 from the field during a crucial six-minute stretch. This allowed William & Mary to capitalize and go on a 16-4 run, taking an early lead.
Despite the initial setbacks, Reyne Smith provided a much-needed spark for the Cougars with his sharpshooting from behind the arc. His timely three-pointers helped Charleston claw back into the game, bringing them within three points at 20-17. The Cougars closed out the first half strong, going on an 8-0 run to head into halftime trailing by just one point, 26-25.
Dominant Second Half Performance
Coming out of the break, the Cougars displayed their resilience and determination as they embarked on a 15-5 run to start the second half. Their strong defensive efforts and efficient scoring saw them build a double-digit lead, reaching their largest advantage of the game at 47-37 with just over eight minutes remaining.
As the game entered the closing minutes, William & Mary made a late push to narrow the gap, but Charleston held firm. A crafty layup by Rodgers and a clutch three-pointer by Frankie Policelli sealed the victory for the Cougars, marking their 20th win of the season in impressive fashion.
Standout Performances and Milestones
Policelli and Smith led the scoring for Charleston with 15 points each, showcasing their offensive prowess throughout the game. Ante Brzovic delivered a dominant performance on the boards, matching his season-high with 12 rebounds, while Rodgers contributed 12 points to the team’s winning effort. James Scott also excelled on the defensive end, tallying four blocks in a stellar display.
Noteworthy statistics from the game included Charleston outrebounding William & Mary 41-37, despite the Tribe’s efforts to stay competitive. The Cougars’ 65 points marked their lowest scoring output in a win this season, highlighting the significance of their defensive tenacity and timely baskets.
Looking Ahead
With their 20th win secured, Charleston now sets their sights on the next challenges that await them. The team will hit the road for a two-game stretch in the Mid-Atlantic region, facing off against Delaware on February 22, followed by a matchup with Towson on February 24. These games will provide the Cougars with an opportunity to further solidify their position at the top of the CAA standings and continue their impressive run of form.