News Summary
On December 28, 2024, Charleston Southern University’s men’s basketball team secured a thrilling 95-89 victory against Columbia International University, concluding their non-conference schedule. With strong performances from players like Daylen Berry, who scored 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, the Buccaneers take their 4-11 record into the upcoming Big South conference play. This win adds confidence as the team prepares for their next game against Gardner-Webb on January 2, 2025.
Charleston Thrills with a Team Dynamic Victory against CIU
Charleston, SC—In an exciting showdown on December 28, 2024, the men’s basketball team at Charleston Southern University (CSU) hosted Columbia International University (CIU) and emerged victorious with a 95-89 win. This matchup marked the conclusion of their non-conference schedule, wrapping up their games with a 4-11 record before diving headfirst into Big South conference play.
CSU’s Winning Tradition Continues
CSU has had a successful history against CIU, winning all five of their previous matchups. The last time they faced off was in 2019, where CSU dominated with a scoreline of 99-71. It seems that history has a way of repeating itself, and the Buccaneers were keen to make a mark as they walked into this game with their heads held high.
The Starting Five
Stepping onto the court for CSU were true freshman Keenan Wilkins, who was starting just his fourth game of the season, along with veterans RJ Johnson, Daylen Berry, Lamar Oden Jr., and Reis Jones. Right from the beginning, it was clear that both teams were ready to battle.
A Thrilling First Half
The first half saw the game unfold in a nail-biting fashion, with both teams exchanging baskets and keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. Nevertheless, a late scoring run from CSU allowed them to finish the half strong, securing a 10-point lead with a score of 53-43. Daylen Berry stole the spotlight during this period, dropping an impressive 20 points, shattering his previous career-high of 19.
Daylen Berry Shines Bright
When the dust settled, Berry ended the game with a fantastic stat line of 27 points, along with 10 rebounds, marking his third double-double of the season. His shooting was on fire, nailing 7 of 13 from the field and hitting 10 out of 11 free throws. This young player is definitely proving to be a key asset for CSU’s campaigns.
Second Half Drama
As the second half rolled around, the intensity of the game did not wear off. CIU put up a tough fight, especially from their standout player, JJ Vaughn. The momentum was continuously shifting, keeping fans engaged until the final buzzer. However, CSU managed to cling to their lead, ultimately sealing the game at 95-89.
Team Contributions
While Daylen Berry may have captured the headlines, the contributions from his teammates were equally significant. RJ Johnson delivered a commendable performance, pouring in 25 points and dishing out 7 assists. Other notable mentions included Anthony Gause and Keenan Wilkins, each chipping in with 11 points. Reis Jones had a solid outing with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while Lamar Oden Jr. came close to a double-double with 9 points and 8 rebounds.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, CSU is enthusiastic about their upcoming game against Gardner-Webb on January 2, 2025, at 1 PM. With this recent victory under their belt, they will be entering conference play fueled with confidence and anticipation. The fans are eager to see how they will carry the momentum into the next chapter of their season.
This victory certainly adds a pep in the step of the Buccaneers as they move ahead, hoping to improve on their record in the conference and aiming for a thrilling season ahead!
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Additional Resources
- CSU Sports: The Heartbeat of College Basketball
- NC A&T Aggies: Double-Doubles Not Enough
- High Point Panthers: Strolls Past Charleston Southern
- Elon Phoenix: CAA Showdown
- Liberty Flames: Dominant Defensive Effort
- Wikipedia: Basketball
- Google Search: Men’s Basketball
- Google Scholar: College Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
- Google News: College Basketball News
