Charleston Thrills as College of Charleston Claims Double Overtime Victory

Charleston Thrills as College of Charleston Claims Double Overtime Victory

CHARLESTON—In a nail-biting matchup at TD Arena, the College of Charleston Cougars edged out the Florida Atlantic Owls with a score of 119-116 on Friday night, November 14, 2024. The win marked the Cougars’ third consecutive victory of the season.

Game Highlights and Player Performances

College of Charleston’s star player, Ante Brzovic, delivered a jaw-dropping performance by scoring a career-high 39 points, including the game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds. Brzovic’s contribution was vital; he not only secured his team’s victory but also showcased his talent before a standing-room-only crowd of over 5,000 fans.

Coach Chris Mack applauded his team’s efforts, recognizing the intensity of the game. “This was an unbelievable game by both teams,” Mack noted. “It really could have gone either way.” The Cougars’ successful strategy included impressive teamwork, highlighted by a significant 14-0 run that allowed them to regain momentum after trailing early.

The Turning Point

The match featured many thrilling moments, with Florida Atlantic gaining an early advantage, leading 19-9 at one point. However, Charleston demonstrated resilience and fought back to take control. The tension boiled over into double overtime, with both teams exchanging powerful plays. Florida Atlantic’s Niccolo Moretti hit a crucial layup to tie the game moments before Brzovic’s three-pointer sealed the victory.

Brzovic’s Unmatched Skills

Brzovic’s performance did not go unnoticed, as he averaged an impressive 30 points per game throughout the month of November. His shooting accuracy was evident, making 15 of 25 field-goal attempts and grabbing 13 rebounds. “What can you say, Ante is pretty special,” said Florida Atlantic’s coach John Jakus. “You’ve got to stop him if you want to beat Charleston.”

Looking Ahead

The win puts the Cougars at 3-0 for the season, signaling a strong start as they pursue success in the current campaign. The team next faces a challenge of maintaining their performance against upcoming opponents. Coach Mack remarked about his team’s readiness to adapt and evolve as the season unfolds.

Brzovic, though tired from intense playtime—logging over 47 minutes—remained optimistic, expressing pride in his teammates and their collective effort. “I’ll play as long as the coaches will let me, but yeah I’m pretty tired right now,” Brzovic admitted, clearly satisfied with the triumph.

Conclusion

The College of Charleston’s thrilling double-overtime victory over Florida Atlantic will go down as a memorable moment for fans and players alike. With the Cougars showing tenacity and talent on the court, there’s much anticipation for the rest of the season as they continue to build on their early successes.