Four In Double Figures As Cougars Extend Win Streak to 10 Games, Move on to Semi-Finals

Jeff Walker, Sports Writer

A little more than a week since the College of Charleston men's basketball team won their final CAA regular season contest, the Cougars extend their winning streak to ten games as they down Monmouth College 83-59 in quarterfinal action of the CAA Tournament. Coming in as the overall top seed CofC improve to 25-7 overall, and need to win just two more games to receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament later this month.

While most of the season it's been the long ball that has helped Charleston build a solid advantage, against Monmouth the Cougars' 50 points in the paint helped secure the victory, with big men Ben Burnham and Ante Brzovic leading the Cougar charge with 16 and 15 points respectively. Fellow starters Frankie Policelli and Kobe Rodgers chipped in 14 and 13 points as well.

When Rodgers made a layup 30 seconds into the game the Cougars were off and running, up 6-0 before Monmouth tripped the scoreboard. The Hawks would tie the contest three times, the last at 15 all before an 18-4 burst by Charleston capped off by a long ball by Butler made it 33-19 just under the seven minute mark. Monmouth would cut the margin to nine points before the Cougars took charge again, with a dunk by Brzovic in the final 16 seconds sending CofC into the locker room up 44-29 at the break.

Less than two minutes into the second period, a short jumper by Brzovic pushed the Charleston lead to 21 (50-29). There was no giving in by the Hawks as they mustered a 18-4 run, cutting the margin to seven points with 12:30 remaining. Back to back threes by Burnham and Policelli, followed by a layup by 'Benny Buckets' soon pushed it back to a 21 point advantage with 7:03 left on the clock.

It was too little too late for Monmouth as they couldn't cut the margin to less than 17 points. With the game in hand CofC Head Coach Pat Kelsey cleared the bench at the two minute mark, with the Hawks' coach doing the same, allowing brothers Jack Miller (CofC) and Corey Miller to compete against each other in the final minute of play.

The Hawks were lead by Xander Rice and Jaret Valencia with 16 and 15 points apiece. Monmouth's season comes to a close, finishing 18-15 overall and 10-9 in CAA action. The points in the paint was really the major stat difference, with CofC having a 20 point advantage. A 21-5 margin from bench points helped Charleston immensely. The Cougars were on fire from the floor, shooting 51% to just 37% for the Hawks. Brzovic finished just shy of a double double, hauling in a game best nine rebounds for Charleston.

The Cougars await the winner between UNC Wilmington and Towson, two teams that have beaten Charleston during the regular season, with CofC falling twice to UNCW. That matchup is scheduled for 6pm on Monday night. Go Cougs!

It's confirmed, the Cougars will take on the Tigers of Towson in their matchup. Who will prevail in the battle of the big cats, for a chance to play for the CAA Championship on Tuesday.