Four In Double Figures With Rodgers Leading the Way With 20 Pts, Charleston Remain In First Place in CAA

Jeff Walker, Sports Writer

Up by seven at the half, the College of Charleston men's basketball team hit their stride offensively, taking a double digit lead early in the second period, before extending the margin to 23 points in the final four minutes of action, coasting to a 90 to 71 road win over Delaware Thursday night. CofC pick up their 21st victory of the season against just seven losses. More importantly the Cougars remain in first place in the CAA improving to 12-3 in conference play.

With the W, the Cougars extend their current winning streak to six games. Four players finish in double figures for Charleston with Kobe Rodgers having one of his best outings this season. Rodgers made 8 of 12, adding four from the line for a game best 20 points, to go along with four steals.

Freshman James Scott proved he is getting better every time he gets into the game, going 6 of 8 to finish with 13 points, while hauling in six rebounds. Starting big men Ben Burnham and Ante Brzovic chipped in 11 apiece, with Burnham leading the team with seven rebounds, and Brzovic doling out four assists.

Although they held just a narrow three possession advantage at the break, the Cougars shot 55% in the first 20 minutes of action, finishing the contest shooting over 51%. The difference as it has been almost all season long is points off the bench where CofC dominated by a 38-20 margin. 11 of the 12 Cougars who got in the game scored, with Bryce Butler and Khalil chipping in 8 and 6 points respectively.

The contest went back and forth for most of the opening period with Delaware enjoying their biggest lead (26-22) on a 3-pointer by Gerald Drumgoole Jr. with 7:14 still to play in the first half. A 21-10 run by the Cougars would send Charleston into the locker room up 43-36 at intermission.

It was all CofC after the break, with Frankie Policelli connecting from long range to give Charleston their first double digit lead on the night. The Cougars would be up by as many as 14 points on several occasions on long balls by Butler, or slam dunks by Scott.

A layup by Rodgers had CofC up 69-55 midway thru the period. The Cougars would push the margin to 22 points when Butler added a layup under the four minute mark. With Coach Pat Kelsey clearing the bench Mayar Wol got into the action knocking down a long ball to give Charleston a 23 point (90-67) advantage before the Fightin' Blue Hens added four points to close out the contest.

Despite the loss, Delaware had four players in double figures. Drumgoole Jr. lead the team with 14 points, making three 3-pointers. Jyare Davis added 13 points, with Christian Ray and Jalun Trent pumping in 11 apiece, with Ray grabbing a game best 12 boards including five off the offensive glass. Delaware fall to 17-11, and 9-6 in the CAA.

Charleston, now 21-7 and 12-3 in conference play, will travel to Maryland to take on the Towson Tigers Saturday afternoon. Action is set for 12:00 p.m. at TU Arena. The game will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network. All Cougar games are carried locally on their radio partner 910 AM.