College of Charleston
Georgia Southwestern State (exh.)
Cougars Cruise Past Hurricanes 79-51 in Exhibition
11/5/2015 2:47:00 AM | Women's Basketball
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The College of Charleston women's basketball team began its season in dominant fashion in Wednesday night's home exhibition against Georgia Southwestern State, scoring the first 13 points of the game and ultimately winning 79-51.
“It's good to see where we are versus where we need to be,” head coach Candice M. Jackson said. “We learned that we need to block out more…giving up 23 offensive rebounds is not good, and that's something we really need to focus on. However, I think we did play well in transition. We played a lot faster than we're normally used to playing, which is good as long as we can get that a little under control.
Every player for the Cougars managed to get themselves into the scoring mix against the Hurricanes, with reigning CAA Defensive Player of the Year Breanna Bolden leading the way with 16 points on 7 of 14 shooting, adding five rebounds and six steals.
“Bre was classic Bre, and played in rare form tonight,” said Jackson. “We're very excited for her to continue on from her success from last year.”
Freshman Darien Huff did her best Bolden impression on the defensive end with six steals of her own. As a team, the Cougars did an excellent job in the turnover battle, causing Georgia Southwestern to commit 36 turnovers while only giving up the rock 13 times themselves.
Newcomer Kelsey Booth was the second-most prolific scorer for the Cougars, putting up 11 points for the Cougars along with four boards, three steals and a block in the win. As a whole, Coach Jackson expressed satisfaction with the entire batch of this year's new talent.
“Darien's a great defender with very good instincts, and she brings an added element into what we're trying to do. I think all three of our freshmen played extremely well in their first go-around.”
The Hurricanes were led by senior guard Yvonna Dunkley, who flirted with a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds in 30 minutes.
The Cougars will have the next nine days to prepare for their first non-exhibition contest of the season, their season-opening double-header on Nov. 13. They will host Houston University at 4:00 p.m.
