CHARLESTON, S.C. –After a challenging start to the game, the Cougars found their rhythm before half and coasted to an 81-66 win over Charleston Southern (4-2) to move to 3-2 on the season.

With their backs to the ropes after surrendering a 27-20 deficit through the first 14 minutes of play, the Cougars answered the bell, ripping off a 22-3 run to close out the half with a 42-30 lead. They would push the lead as far as 26, ultimately finishing with the 15-point win.

“Our defensive intensity picked up and we were better in our pressure,” head coach Candice M. Jackson said. “We were able to force turnovers and we executed in transition. We were really looking to attack the basket more, and with these new rules we were able to get into the bonus and to the line.”

Breanna Bolden bounced back from a rough night against Virginia Tech to lead the Cougars with 24 points on a highly efficient 10-of-13 from the field and 4-of-5 from the line. She added four steals, four rebounds, and matched a career-high four assists.

Not to be outdone, forward Jackie Luna-Castro had a career-day of her own, matching a best of three steals while scoring 15 points, just one off her career-record.

Kelsey Booth dropped 14 points of her own , finding her stroke with a 5-of-7 shooting night from the field, going 2-of-3 from deep while adding two steals and five boards. Freshman Darien Huff chipped in ten points of her own, while Courtney Gardner led the squad in rebounds with eight.

“We've put emphasis on taking what we learn in practice and taking it out onto the court,” Jackson said. “It's really starting to come together. Our team chemistry has gotten better over these last five games, and things are starting to click.”

Though they were outrebounded 45-40, the Cougars came through with an advantage in the turnover battle (17 vs. 23) as well as going 28-of-58 (48.3%) from the field. Not only that, CofC found its way to the free throw line with ease all game long, earning 33 attempts.

Alyssa Mann kept CSU in the game with a 25-point afternoon on 9-of-19 shooting from the field. Monique Maximilien was involved as well, nearly snagging a double-double with ten points and nine rebounds.

The College will have three days off to prepare for the second half of their home-stand, a Wednesday night affair against former SoCon rival Appalachian State (1-4). Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.