Reyne Smith Leads Cougar Attack With 21 Pts. Team Improve to 10-3 in CAA & 19-7 Overall

Jeff Walker, Sports Writer

Despite being outscored by a single point in the second half, the College of Charleston men's basketball team's five point advantage at the break allowed the Cougars to escape Boston with a 77-73 win over Northeastern. With the victory CofC remained tied in the CAA standings with UNC Wilmington at 10-3, with the Seahawks holding a slight edge after two wins of the Cougars this season.

Reyne Smith did what he does best for Charleston, making good on 6 of 10 from long range to lead CofC with 21 points. Ante Brzovic was the only other Cougar in double figures finishing with 10 points to go along with six rebounds.

Aside from a few minutes in the second period it was pretty much a one of two possession contest throughout, with Charleston enjoying a 43-38 lead heading into the locker room. It was much of the same after intermission until an 8-0 run by CofC capped off by Smith's final 3-pointer put Charleston up 76-65 with 4:13 remaining.

The home team would answer with an 8-0 run of their own, cutting the margin to three with little more than a minute and a half to play. A series of missed opportunities ensued before Smith added one of two from the line in the final 10 seconds to secure a four point margin of victory.

Northeastern had three players end in double figures with Luka Sakota finishing with a game best 23 points, adding 5 of 9 from beyond the arc. Harold Woods went 8 of 11 from the floor for 19, with Chris Doherty chipping in 14 for the Huskies, while hauling in a game best 11 boards. Northeastern fall to 5-8 in conference play and 10-16 overall.

Where Charleston excelled, as they've done in many games this season is off the bench. Bryce Butler, Khalil London, and James Scott scored nine each, as the Cougars outpaced the Huskies 33-4 from the bench. Charleston improve to 10-3 in the CAA and 19-7 on the season.

The Cougars return home to Charleston to face William & Mary on Monday, February 19. Action is set for 8:00 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.