Three Hit For Double Figures, As Cougars Hold On During Final Minute of Play 

Jeff Walker, Sports

Eight months following their 'Cinderella' season coming to an abrupt end, including a 20 game win streak and a Top 25 national ranking, the College of Charleston men's basketball team took to John Kresse Court Monday night, kicking off the 2023-24 season hosting Iona. Finishing 27-8 overall and 17-3 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Association including a MAAC Championship last year, the Gaels came to TD Arena hoping to jump start the new season after falling in the first game of the NCAA Tournament.

Despite ending up 31-4 last year, CofC suffered the same fate, losing in the opening round of March Madness to San Diego State. All that behind them, and with a a couple of strong graduate students new to the roster, the Cougars and 5000 plus fans were ready to get back to their winning ways, anticipating the opening contest against Iona would set a tone for the ensuing 2023-24 season.

With two teams coming off stellar seasons it was a hard fought contest for 40 minutes. However, when the sound of athletic shoes squealing ended the Cougars escaped with a 71-69 victory, extending their streak to three season opening wins. While neither team managed to hold more than a three possession lead, the final stats showed this was a nail-biter until the final buzzer, as Iona missed a long range shot that would have sent them away the victor.

CofC Head Coach Pat Kelsey gave due to both sides of the court. Regarding Iona, "I give them credit. They really tested us tonight." Taking a page from his late mentor Kelsey added, "Skip Prosser used to say 'you don't sharpen your teeth eating oatmeal'. If you want to be the best you have to compete against the best." As for his players Kelsey said. "They stepped up when they needed to. It was a hard battle and fortunately we came out on top." The Cougars improve to 1-0 early in the season as they prepare for long stretch of games on the road.

Ante Brzovic led the Cougar attack finishing with a team best 16 points including 4 of 4 from the foul line. Graduate student Frankie Policelli made his presence known in a Cougar uniform going 5 of 11 including three 3's for 15 points, while grabbing a team best eight rebounds. Junior big man Ben Burnham who had the hot hand early chipped in 13 points for the home team.

Iona lit up the scoreboard inside the first 10 seconds of the game. Burnham added four of his overall total to keep pace as the Cougars and Gaels traded baskets. When Reyne Smith drained the first of Charleston's five 3-pointers CofC went up 9-8 after two minutes of play.

Trailing by three with 13:08 remaining the Cougs went on a 14-3 run to take a nine point (27-18) advantage with just over eight minutes until half-time. A layup by by Iona's Joel Brown cut the margin to two before the home team put together another surge capped off by a buzzer beating triple by Smith as Charleston enjoyed a 46-39 lead at the break.

The Cougars kept at it in the second period. A steal by Smith that led to a slam dunk by Kobe Rodgers extended Charleston's margin to 50-42 as fans were hopeful for a double digit lead. Unfortunately that wasn't the case as the Gaels didn't letup, as a long range shot by Jean Aranguren put the visitors back on top 56-54 midway through the period.

Charleston would re-gain a one possession lead over the next seven minutes before a layup by Jeremiah Quigley had Iona up 69-68 with 52 ticks on the clock. A hard fought layup by Brzovic followed by one of two from the line by Smith with four seconds remaining secured victory for Charleston. Wheza Panzo's 3-point attempt for the Gaels ricocheted off the rim as Iona came up short on the road.

Again the final stats indicated the outcome could have gone either way, with both teams shooting roughly 42 percent from the floor. Charleston edged Iona 40-39 off the glass, with each connecting five times from beyond the arc. Where CofC benefitted most is the charity stripe, adding 16 of 20 from the line, while the Gaels made just 6 of 8 attempts from the free throw line.

Iona had two players finish in double figures with Greg Gordon finishing with a game best 18 points while hauling in a 14 rebounds for a double double. Idan Tretout went 2 of 6 from long range as he chipped in 17 points in a losing effort. Iona open their season 0-1.

Charleston will spend the rest of November on the road, beginning Friday at the Veteran's Classic. The Cougars will face Duquesne at 6:00 p.m. in Annapolis, Md. The game is scheduled to be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network. CofC travel to Myrtle Beach the following week to participate in the Myrtle Beach Invitational Nov 16-19th.