Cougars Outscore Tigers 13-1 in the Final Four Minute War, Three Players in Double Figures

Jeff Walker, Sports Writer

Down by seven (55-48) heading into the final four minute battle the College of Charleston men's basketball team outscore Towson 13-1 to emerge victorious (61-56) in semi-final action of the CAA Tournament. In the battle of the big cats, top seeded CofC extend their winning streak to 11 games and advance to the championship game on Tuesday night.

Sadly Towson played well enough, especially defensively for 36 minutes to win the contest, but much like their meeting last year in the tournament Charleston came out on top. The Tigers had three players end in double figures. Tyler Tejada had a game tying 16 points, making several key shots in the second half. Charles Thompson who is beast under the basket had 14 points, with Dylan Williamson chipping in 13 off the bench. Towson fall to 20-14 overall on the season.

Reyne Smith lead the Cougar attack finishing with a team best and game tying 16 points, adding three from beyond the arc. Bryce Butler came in off the bench to chip in 13 points, including a big triple late in the contest. Frankie Policelli and Kobe Rodger added 10 and 9 point respectively in the Cougar win.

Every player stepped up when they had to during the final few minutes. Policelli made one of two from the line, followed by a 3-pointer by Fulton. Rodgers added a pair of clutch free throws. Ante Brzovic had a nice defensive stop including a block and rebound that lead him to a wide open dunk moments later. The Tigers forced to foul allowed Smith to drop three from the line, the final two with three seconds left securing a five point margin, sending fifth seeded Towson home early.

Held to six points on the night Brzovic said Towson keyed on him defensively. "They were all over me. There was no room for me to get off shots. Give Towson credit, they are a great great team. We came out on top, but Towson is a team you don't want to face in the tournament."

Sloppy play on both ends of the court early on presided over the game as neither team were lighting up the scoreboard. Five minutes into the contest back to back turnovers by Towson leading to five straight points from Butler had CofC up 11-5. The Tigers would close the gap, down 14-13 before two long balls by Smith extended the margin to 20-15 in favor of Charleston with under nine minutes remaining.

Towson came alive putting together a 10-2 run that found them up 25-22 nearing the four minute mark. Down by four nearing intermission, Smith's third triple followed by a steal by Smith leading to a last second bucket allowed Charleston to head into the locker room up 31-30 at the break.

After a quick basket by Towson to regain the lead, Charleston settled for six unanswered. A three ball by Tejada from near half court gave Towson a 39-37 advantage that they pushed to four points. After leaving the game nursing what appeared to be an injury Rodgers returned for the Cougars, getting behind a steal that lead to a layup and a 41 all game.

Seven points by Tejada extended the Tigers margin to 48-43. Four straight from Butler cut into the margin. However, Towson did their best to maintain a one or two possession advantage heading down the stretch. When Tejada banked a three with 4:05 left to play Towson was up by seven and appeared to have momentum on their side.

But Charleston dug deep and found a way to claw out a W. Charleston improve to 26-7 and a date in the CAA Championship game Tuesday night. In a low scoring contest partially decided by defense, the two stats the Cougars excelled in was a 21-12 margin in points on turnovers, and a 15-2 advantage on fast break points.

Brzovic admits it was a team effort throughout. "We played hard. We had to be on our best to win." He gave his team-mates an ultimatum during the last media time out. "I told them I'm gonna die for each one of you. I'm so proud of my team tonight."

Charleston will play the winner between third seeded Hofstra and Stony Brook who came into the tournament as the seventh seed. Tip off is scheduled for 7pm and will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network.

It's confirmed. The College of Charleston will take on Stony Brook for the CAA Championship title. The winner receives an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. March madness awaits!