Charleston defeats Drexel 72-63

Drexel's Late Surge Falls Short in Charleston Thriller

The Charleston Cougars bounced back from a 6-point halftime deficit to defeat the visiting Drexel Dragons 72-63 on Tuesday night at TD Arena.

The pivotal turning point came early in the second half, as the Cougars' Christian Reeves sank a clutch three-pointer that tied the game and sparked a 9-0 Charleston run. The Dragons struggled to regain momentum, allowing the Cougars to pull ahead by as many as 15 points with just over two minutes remaining.

Despite the late surge, Drexel's Eli Beard led the charge for his team, scoring 17 points on 55.6% shooting from the field. Shane Blakeney chipped in with 12 points and 9 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Charleston's balanced attack.

Charleston's Chol Machot led the way for his team, scoring 14 points on 77.8% shooting from the field. The Cougars also outrebounded their opponents, 34-30, and committed just 11 turnovers compared to Drexel's 11.

The game marked a significant conference win for Charleston (AWAY), which improved its standing in the league. For Drexel (AWAY), the loss was a tough road defeat that drops them out of contention for an at-large bid.

In a closely contested game, neither team could gain a substantial advantage until late in the second half. The largest lead held by either team came with Charleston up 15 points and Drexel trailing by 14.

The Cougars' strong defensive performance, particularly on the glass, was key to their comeback victory. They outrebounded Drexel by 4, including 10 offensive rebounds that helped them secure second-chance points.

This conference game showcased the resilience of both teams as they navigated a back-and-forth contest. In the end, Charleston's ability to capitalize on crucial opportunities made all the difference in their victory over Drexel.