The Home Stretch
Our beloved Cougs are back at TD Arena for one last ride in the 2024-2025 season, and both games carry major postseason implications.
Charleston fans, our beloved Cougs are back at TD Arena for one last ride in the 2024-2025 season, and both games carry major postseason implications.
With the CAA’s Double Bye format, implemented in the 2023-2024 season, securing that extra day of rest and avoiding an additional game is a crucial advantage for any team with championship aspirations. As it stands, the Cougars are the No. 4 seed, but Campbell sits just one game back and comes to town Saturday night. Late-season chaos is always a factor in the CAA, but the good news? The Cougars control their own destiny—and they get to do it in front of their home crowd.
Simply put, we NEED every Coug fan at TD Arena on Thursday and Saturday to GET LOUD!
The goal every season is a ticket to the Big Dance, and this team has a great shot at making it three straight years. In my opinion, March Madness starts this week, and it’s critical that this team builds momentum heading into the CAA Tournament.
The offense struggled at Drexel, but the defense was nearly championship-caliber. It will be crucial for the Cougars to build on their last two defensive performances while regaining the offensive confidence they’ve displayed most of the season.
One key stat: Charleston ranks 27th nationally in defensive rebounds per game, a strength that could be a difference-maker down the stretch. On the flip side, free throw shooting has been a weak spot, and as every championship team knows, making free throws wins games. Hopefully, the familiar rims of TD Arena help the Cougars get back on track from the line.
Let’s take a quick look at the scouting report for this week’s matchups.
Delaware Blue Hens
This will be the last time Delaware travels to Charleston in CAA play, as they move to Conference USA on July 1. Traditionally, the Blue Hens are a well-coached, talented team, but this season has been a struggle. They currently sit at 12-17 (5-11 CAA).
Despite their record, Delaware boasts one of the best offenses in the CAA, with five players averaging double figures. They lead the conference in field goal percentage, excelling at creating and converting high-quality shots. They also get to the free throw line at an elite rate, shooting 78% as a team.
However, their biggest weakness is defense—they rank 310th nationally, allowing 77.5 points per game. This is a prime opportunity for the Cougars to control the tempo, lock in defensively, and avoid turning this into a shootout. If we can bring defensive intensity from the opening tip and limit unnecessary fouls, we can keep Delaware from staying in the game at the free-throw line.
Key Players to Watch:
John Camden (13.9 PPG, 5.0 RPG) – 6’8, 220
A strong, tough forward with inside-out versatility
Shoots nearly 40% from three and can handle the ball
Previously played at Memphis and Virginia Tech
Niels Lane (13.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG) – 6’5, 215
Explosive wing with two-way ability
A Florida transfer with athleticism and defensive intensity
While not a lights-out shooter, he gains confidence fast if he gets going early
Campbell Camels
Campbell is one of the most dangerous teams in the CAA, led by Coach Kevin McGeehan, who has done a tremendous job building a talented roster.
Despite losing key player Jasin Sinani to a season-ending injury, the Camels still put together a seven-game CAA win streak earlier this season. They face UNCW at home Thursday night, and if they pull off another upset, they’ll come into TD Arena with sky-high confidence.
Charleston’s first matchup against Campbell was anything but easy. The Cougars endured a nearly seven-minute scoring drought in the second half, and Campbell capitalized with contested threes and efficient finishes in the paint.
Expect Campbell to pressure our point guard, making this a crucial game for CJ Fulton to stay composed and control the tempo, just as he has all season.
Key Player to Watch:
Colby Duggan (15.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.4 APG) – 6’7, 220
The motor of this Camels team
Gritty, tough, and a physical inside scorer
Also a capable three-point shooter, making him a matchup problem
Upcoming Games:
Cougars vs Delaware – TD Arena – 7 PM, Feb. 27 (FloSports)
Cougars vs Campbell – TD Arena – 6 PM, Mar. 1 (NBC2/FloSports)
Senior Night: Honoring Four Champions
Last but certainly not least, Saturday’s game is Senior Night for six players who have given everything to this program: Derrin Boyd, Ante Brzovic, Adam Comer, CJ Fulton, Elijah Jones, and Jack Miller.
In today’s world of college basketball transfers, four of these seniors—Fulton, Brzovic, Miller, and Comer—stayed committed to Charleston even after a coaching change.
They epitomize everything great about college basketball and this program. They’ve represented Charleston with class, helped raise banners on George Street, and built a winning culture.
Let’s pack TD Arena, show them the appreciation all six of these players deserve, and send them off in style with a loud, rocking atmosphere.
MARCH IS COMING!
The Charleston Edge
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