Five CofC Players Hit For Double Figures, Remain Undefeated at Home 

Jeff Walker, Sports Writer

When College of Charleston men's basketball coach Pat Kelsey took the job three years ago one of the first thing he said upon arriving is 'why don't we play the Citadel', adding 'crosstown rivalries are good for the city'. Coach Kelsey got his wish in season three, as the Cougars welcomed the Bulldogs to TD Arena Thursday night, with bragging rights to 'Our City' on the line.

For Citadel Head Coach Ed Conroy it's been more than a dozen years since he walked the sidelines at TD Arena, recalling the glory days when he had Citadel rolling with 20 plus win seasons, taking 3 of 4 games against the College during his heyday when Bobby Cremins was at the helm for the Cougars.

Despite being 5-4 overall CofC held a 2-0 record on their home court, and with the Citadel coming into the contest at 6-4 on the season, both squads realized it would be a big cat vs. big dog fight for 40 minutes. When it was all said and done Charleston prevailed, clawing their way to an 86-71 win over the Bulldogs.

Coach Kelsey was happy to pick up the win and stay undefeated at home but added the contest overall was good for Charleston. "I think rivalries are good for the game and for the fans. The College playing the Citadel was part of the SoCon (Southern Conference) for years and I feel it should continue."

Coach adds, "At the end of the day it's both 'Our City'. Both schools have a strong tradition with the city and a strong fanbase. Fans for both schools want to see the College and the Citadel play each other every year."

In their 10th game of the season CofC offered up perhaps their most balanced scoring attack with five players finishing in double figures. Frankie Policelli played one of his best games in a Cougar uniform going 3 of 6 from long range and 5 of 7 overall for a team best 15 points, while hauling in six rebounds.

Coming in off the bench freshman James Scott turned in his best game as a Cougar going 6 of 6 to add 14 points for the home team. Ben Burnham continues to be Mr. Consistent ending with 13, with Reyne Smith dropping three from beyond the arc as part of his 11 points. Ante Brzovic just missed out on a double-double, chipping in 10 points while hauling in a team best nine rebounds.

As expected, it was very physical from the start. Here's how it played out. A long ball by Brzovic gave CofC a 7-6 lead early on. An alley oop dunk by Scott brought cheers from the crowd. A steal by Jordan Crawford leading to a dunk tied the contest at 15 all after seven minutes of play.

The lead would change up several times with neither team enjoying more than a one possession advantage until an 11-0 run by the Cougars capped off by a Smith triple put the home team up 28-19 with 6:15 remaining before the break. Smith accounted for all his long balls in the first period, connecting on 3 of 4 during CofC's offensive surge. The lead would extend to 15 before Charleston took a 44-32 margin into the locker room.

After a few failed attempts under the basket Benny Buckets began the second half with CofC's eighth 3-pointer. Scott's third alley oop dunk allowed for a 17 point (53-36) advantage just under the 15 minute mark. Six unanswered by the Citadel put a small dent in the lead.

A short jumper by Citadel's Winston Hill drew the Bulldogs within eight (56-48) midway thru the period. The Citadel would cut the margin to a single digit deficit a few more times before a Smith layup with 7:13 showing on the clock fueled another late game surge, with CofC going up by 20 (76-56) when Bryce Butler made a couple from the foul line.

While several final stats were close the biggest difference was points off the bench. The Cougars outscored the Bulldogs a whopping 41-2 in players coming in off the bench. And for the first time this season the Citadel lost the rebound battle although just narrowly (36-35), with the Cougars 13 offensive boards allowing for 16 second chance points.

Four of the Citadel's five starters finished in double figures with AJ Smith and Madison Durr both ending with a game best 18 points apiece. Smith went 6 of 9 from the floor while Durr grabbed five rebounds to go along with five assists. Elijah Morgan and Quentin Millora-Brown adding 16 and 13 points respectively for the Bulldogs. Millora-Brown grabbed a game high 10 rebounds. The Citadel fall to 6-5 on the season.

Coach Kelsey said the team is beginning to gel recently. A lot of that has to do with the improved play of two players, CJ Fulton and James Scott, the latter who was a dunk machine Thursday night, accounting for four alley-oop NBA style dunks and another offensive board for a slam jam.

He noted Scott's enhanced play in practice and the game. "He's as curious as a basketball learner as any player I've ever coached, and he's just a freshman. He is so hungry to improve his overall game. Honestly, he's a hoop junkie."

Aside from Scott's impressive output Thursday night CJ Fulton is continuing to develop as a point guard. While finishing with just five points his eight assists helped the Cougars offensively, especially Scott. Coach praised his guard. "We're doing a good job on the pick and roll, and our drop coverage. We did a good job of setting up the screen tonight, and CJ is a big part of that."

Fulton humbly admits it's about the team, not his final point total. "For me passing is number one. Scoring comes second. I'm comfortable with both. I'm good setting up my team mates."

A  veteran local sports reporter told me before the game kicked off, if the Cougars finish with 10 or more 3-pointers CofC would come out on top. Charleston made good on 13 of 31 (42%) from beyond the arc. Good call!

Charleston, now 6-4, continues their December home stand when they welcome Coastal Carolina to TD Arena on Monday, with tip off at 7pm. The Cougars and Chanticleers previously met on November 19 at the Myrtle Beach Invitational. Charleston won 80-72.