Box Score

CHARLESTON, SC -- The College of Charleston staved off a tremendous UNCG rally for a thrilling 71-69 victory in Southern Conference men's basketball action Monday night in a boisterous John Kresse Arena.

After trailing by 23 points, 65-42, midway through the second half, UNCG went on a 27-4 run capped off by a James Maye 3-pointer from the top of the key to tie the game 69-69.

Mike Benton got a tip-in with just over 10 seconds remaining in regulation to put the Cougars up 71-69.

With time running out, UNCG's Jay Joseph got off a desperation 3-pointer from the left baseline that just missed.

With the victory, the College of Charleston improves to 16-6 on the season and 6-2 in Southern Conference action. UNCG slips to 6-15 overall and 2-7 in league play.

The College of Charleston took advantage of a frenetic pace and UNCG foul trouble in the first half,  taking a 43-27 advantage into intermission. UNCG matched baskets with CofC early and managed to take a 21-20 lead at the 8:30 mark of the first half. As soon as the Spartans took their lone lead of the half, the Cougars went on a 17-2 run, to take a 37-23 lead. Maye, Tizzo Johnson and Ronnie Burrell each picked up two fouls in the game's first ten minutes.

For the Cougars, Troy Wheless hit 5-of-7 3-point attempts on the evening for a team-high 17 points. Thomas Mobley added 10 points, while Benton recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

For UNCG, Joseph scored a game-high 19 points, while hitting 7-of-14 field goals. Luke Boythe scored 14 points, including eleven in the Spartans' run. Maye added 11 while Bristow chipped in with 10 of his own.

Maye's 11 points in the game gives the senior 1,451 points for his career. The Kennesaw, GA, native is making a run at the Spartan all-time scoring record of 1,539 held by Scott Hartzell (1992-96)

The Spartans return to the hardwood again on Saturday, February 8, at Western Carolina. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 pm in the Ramsey Center. These same two teams met just a week ago, January 27, in Greensboro. Rans Brempong drained a 17-footer at the final buzzer to give the Catamounts a thrilling 63-62 come from behind victory over the Spartans.