Thursday, December 15
Greenville, N.C.
7:00 PM
College of Charleston
at
East Carolina
Photo by: Al Samuels
Top Defenses To Collide at East Carolina
12/14/2016 5:15:00 PM | Men's Basketball
COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON (7-3, 0-0 CAA) vs. EAST CAROLINA (7-3, 0-0 American)
Game #11
December 15, 2016 • 7:00 p.m. (ET)
Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum (7,100)
at Greenville, N.C.
Television: American Sports Network / ESPN3
Radio: College of Charleston Radio Network (ESPN Radio 910 AM)
Series History: CofC Leads 2-1
Last Meeting: CofC def. ECU, 77-73, on Dec. 7, 2015 in Charleston, S.C.
Internet: Free Live Statistics at www.sidearmstats.com/ecu/mbball/
Live Video: WatchESPN.com
Twitter: @CofCBasketball
THE COACHES
College of Charleston: Earl Grant
Third Year at CofC: 33-41
Third Year Overall: 33-41
East Carolina: Jeff Lebo
Seventh Year at ECU: 106-103
19th Year Overall: 317-259
TELEVISION (American Sports Network)
Play-By-Play: Dave Armstrong
Color Analyst: Mark Armstrong
RADIO (College of Charleston Radio Network)
Play-By-Play: Everett German
GAME PREVIEW
Two of the nation's top defenses will collide in a non-conference showdown between College of Charleston (7-3) and East Carolina (7-3) on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. (ET) at Minges Coliseum in Greenville, N.C. The game will be televised live nationally on the American Sports Network and ESPN3. The Cougars are holding opponents to 61.0 points per game, which ranks No. 18 in the nation, while the Pirates have held opponents to 60.9 (No. 16). Both teams have also limited opponents from good shot opportunities around the perimeter – CofC 28.5% (No. 27) and ECU 29.4% (No. 40) in three-point field-goal percentage defense. The Cougars have wrapped-up their final exams and have won four in a row including a 59-45 rout of Anderson University on Dec. 11 at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Pirates have won three of their last four contests and are an undefeated 6-0 at home this season. This is the first road trip to ECU for the Cougars since 1990. Last year, Charleston edged the Pirates, 77-73, on Dec. 7, 2015 at TD Arena.
THE PIRATES AT-A-GLANCE
East Carolina is looking to rebound from a 76-53 loss at No. 14-ranked Virginia on Nov. 6 and has enjoyed a nine-day layoff from competition for finals. The Pirates have three players averaging double figures in scoring in Caleb White (14.0 ppg), B.J. Tyson (13.6 ppg) and Kentrell Barkley (12.0 ppg). While they have limited to opponents in scoring and long-range shooting, ECU also ranks No. 10 in the country in field-goal percentage defense (36.6%).
COUGARS RANKED IN LATEST MID-MAJOR TOP 25 POLL
College of Charleston is ranked No. 25 in the latest CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 Poll released on Dec. 12. The Cougars are making their third all-time appearance in the poll under third-year head coach Earl Grant. Last season, they were ranked as high as No. 22 among the top mid-major programs in the country. With one of the nation's toughest schedules, the program is also rated No. 51 in the latest NCAA Men's Basketball RPI rankings with just three losses on the season to UCF (No. 25 NCAA RPI), Wake Forest (No. 12 NCAA RPI) and defending national champion and top-ranked Villanova (No. 2 NCAA RPI) as of Dec. 12.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN …
The Cougars will embark on a five-game road stretch through the holiday break at East Carolina on Dec. 15, LSU on Dec. 19, Western Carolina on Dec. 22 and a conference-opening weekend at Elon on Dec. 31 and Delaware on Jan. 2.
COUGARS ON THE AIRWAVES
Fans can listen to all CofC men's basketball games throughout the 2016-17 season on ESPN Radio 910 AM in Charleston or via a live audio link at: www.charlestonsportsradio.com. Voice of the Cougars Everett German will call the action live from Minges Coliseum on the College of Charleston Radio Network.
PROJECTED COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON STARTERS
#13 Joe Chealey, G, 6-4, 195, RS-Jr. (13.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 29.8 min)
#1 Grant Riller, G, 6-3, 185, RS-Fr. (10.5 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.6 apg, 19.7 min)
#12 Cameron Johnson, G, 6-4, 200, Jr. (8.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.8 apg, 32.1 min)
#5 Jarrell Brantley, F, 6-7, 250, So. (13.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.5 apg, 30.9 min)
#23 Nick Harris, F, 6-10, 250, So. (5.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 0.1 apg, 23.1 min)
PROJECTED EAST CAROLINA STARTERS
#21 B.J. Tyson, G, 6-3, 180, Jr. (13.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, 30.4 min)
#2 Caleb White, G, 6-7, 210, Sr. (14.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.6 apg, 34.0 min)
#15 Kentrell Barkley, F, 6-5, 215, So. (12.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 32.1 min)
#23 Clarence Williams, F, 6-8, 210, Sr. (6.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.6 apg, 21.2 min)
#31 Andre Washington, C, 7-1, 235, Gr.-Sr. (8.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 0.9 apg, 24.3 min)
SERIES NOTES
College of Charleston leads 2-1 in the all-time series with East Carolina. The series first began during the 1991-92 season – CofC's first year as a NCAA Division I member. Under legendary head coach John Kresse, the Cougars claimed a four-point decision (72-68) on Feb. 3, 1992 at John Kresse Arena to avenge a 14-point road loss (51-65) to the Pirates in both teams' first meeting in the series back in 1990 in Greenville, N.C.
LAST THREE GAMES IN THE SERIES
W, 77-73 (+4) on 12/7/15 in Charleston, S.C.
W, 72-68 (+4) on 2/3/92 in Charleston, S.C
L, 51-65 (-14) on 12/17/90 in Greenville, N.C.
ANDERSON RECAP
College of Charleston 59, Anderson 45
• The Cougars are now 34-10 all-time (.773) when playing games at the North Charleston Coliseum since 1993. It was the team's first game in the venue since 2010.
• College of Charleston is now tied in the all-time series with Anderson, 1-1, and it marked only the second meeting between both schools since the first in 2012.
• Grant Riller registered a team-high 13 points, which marked his fourth double-figure scoring game of the season.
• Jarrell Brantley recorded a stat line of nine points, five rebounds and a career-high tying four assists including two dishes for three-pointers made by Grant Riller and Marquise Pointer.
• Evan Bailey turned in a season-high seven points and a career-high nine rebound versus Anderson. It marked the third time in his career to lead the Cougars in the rebounding column. He also went a career-best 7-of-10 from the free throw line.
• The CofC defense held Anderson to an opponent season-low 45 points and 20 percent shooting from beyond the arc (4-of-20). The Cougars previously held an opponent to 40 points against Boise State (47 points) in the first round of the ESPN Gildan Charleston Classic on Nov. 17.
COUGAR SOUND BITES
"Every team we are going to play in this road stretch will present different challenges for us. But, it's that time of the year to see if we can be competitive on the road and have success away from TD Arena. We have played well at home, but now, you have to find a way to win on the road. At the end of the day, to be good in conference play, you have to find ways to win those games on the road. You have to be eight points better, you have to have some toughness, you have to have a great bench, you have to be together and connected and you have to provide your own energy. There a lot of things that you have to do. This is a good stretch for us. " – College of Charleston Head Coach Earl Grant on the team's next five-game road stretch of games after finals
"They (ECU) are well-coached and have good, talented players. They play in a good league. They have played well so far this year and they will be playing on their home court. It is going to be a great opportunity as well as a nice challenge for us up in Greenville on Thursday night." – Coach Grant on playing East Carolina
"It's a great opportunity. It's the next test. Obviously, it's a little different challenge playing three-to-four games in a row. You have to be on top of your game plan. This is the most fun part of the year. Exams are over and all we have to focus on is basketball now for a good two-to-three weeks. We are excited about the challenge ahead." – Redshirt Junior Guard Joe Chealey on the team's tough road stretch ahead
"They (ECU) are a talented group. They can get up-and-down the court and score the ball well. We have experience playing them last year. We are excited for the challenge. We will have to play well on the road to be successful." – Chealey on the ECU matchup
Game #11
December 15, 2016 • 7:00 p.m. (ET)
Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum (7,100)
at Greenville, N.C.
Television: American Sports Network / ESPN3
Radio: College of Charleston Radio Network (ESPN Radio 910 AM)
Series History: CofC Leads 2-1
Last Meeting: CofC def. ECU, 77-73, on Dec. 7, 2015 in Charleston, S.C.
Internet: Free Live Statistics at www.sidearmstats.com/ecu/mbball/
Live Video: WatchESPN.com
Twitter: @CofCBasketball
THE COACHES
College of Charleston: Earl Grant
Third Year at CofC: 33-41
Third Year Overall: 33-41
East Carolina: Jeff Lebo
Seventh Year at ECU: 106-103
19th Year Overall: 317-259
TELEVISION (American Sports Network)
Play-By-Play: Dave Armstrong
Color Analyst: Mark Armstrong
RADIO (College of Charleston Radio Network)
Play-By-Play: Everett German
GAME PREVIEW
Two of the nation's top defenses will collide in a non-conference showdown between College of Charleston (7-3) and East Carolina (7-3) on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. (ET) at Minges Coliseum in Greenville, N.C. The game will be televised live nationally on the American Sports Network and ESPN3. The Cougars are holding opponents to 61.0 points per game, which ranks No. 18 in the nation, while the Pirates have held opponents to 60.9 (No. 16). Both teams have also limited opponents from good shot opportunities around the perimeter – CofC 28.5% (No. 27) and ECU 29.4% (No. 40) in three-point field-goal percentage defense. The Cougars have wrapped-up their final exams and have won four in a row including a 59-45 rout of Anderson University on Dec. 11 at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Pirates have won three of their last four contests and are an undefeated 6-0 at home this season. This is the first road trip to ECU for the Cougars since 1990. Last year, Charleston edged the Pirates, 77-73, on Dec. 7, 2015 at TD Arena.
THE PIRATES AT-A-GLANCE
East Carolina is looking to rebound from a 76-53 loss at No. 14-ranked Virginia on Nov. 6 and has enjoyed a nine-day layoff from competition for finals. The Pirates have three players averaging double figures in scoring in Caleb White (14.0 ppg), B.J. Tyson (13.6 ppg) and Kentrell Barkley (12.0 ppg). While they have limited to opponents in scoring and long-range shooting, ECU also ranks No. 10 in the country in field-goal percentage defense (36.6%).
COUGARS RANKED IN LATEST MID-MAJOR TOP 25 POLL
College of Charleston is ranked No. 25 in the latest CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 Poll released on Dec. 12. The Cougars are making their third all-time appearance in the poll under third-year head coach Earl Grant. Last season, they were ranked as high as No. 22 among the top mid-major programs in the country. With one of the nation's toughest schedules, the program is also rated No. 51 in the latest NCAA Men's Basketball RPI rankings with just three losses on the season to UCF (No. 25 NCAA RPI), Wake Forest (No. 12 NCAA RPI) and defending national champion and top-ranked Villanova (No. 2 NCAA RPI) as of Dec. 12.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN …
The Cougars will embark on a five-game road stretch through the holiday break at East Carolina on Dec. 15, LSU on Dec. 19, Western Carolina on Dec. 22 and a conference-opening weekend at Elon on Dec. 31 and Delaware on Jan. 2.
COUGARS ON THE AIRWAVES
Fans can listen to all CofC men's basketball games throughout the 2016-17 season on ESPN Radio 910 AM in Charleston or via a live audio link at: www.charlestonsportsradio.com. Voice of the Cougars Everett German will call the action live from Minges Coliseum on the College of Charleston Radio Network.
PROJECTED COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON STARTERS
#13 Joe Chealey, G, 6-4, 195, RS-Jr. (13.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.9 apg, 29.8 min)
#1 Grant Riller, G, 6-3, 185, RS-Fr. (10.5 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.6 apg, 19.7 min)
#12 Cameron Johnson, G, 6-4, 200, Jr. (8.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.8 apg, 32.1 min)
#5 Jarrell Brantley, F, 6-7, 250, So. (13.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.5 apg, 30.9 min)
#23 Nick Harris, F, 6-10, 250, So. (5.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 0.1 apg, 23.1 min)
PROJECTED EAST CAROLINA STARTERS
#21 B.J. Tyson, G, 6-3, 180, Jr. (13.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.7 apg, 30.4 min)
#2 Caleb White, G, 6-7, 210, Sr. (14.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.6 apg, 34.0 min)
#15 Kentrell Barkley, F, 6-5, 215, So. (12.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 32.1 min)
#23 Clarence Williams, F, 6-8, 210, Sr. (6.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.6 apg, 21.2 min)
#31 Andre Washington, C, 7-1, 235, Gr.-Sr. (8.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 0.9 apg, 24.3 min)
SERIES NOTES
College of Charleston leads 2-1 in the all-time series with East Carolina. The series first began during the 1991-92 season – CofC's first year as a NCAA Division I member. Under legendary head coach John Kresse, the Cougars claimed a four-point decision (72-68) on Feb. 3, 1992 at John Kresse Arena to avenge a 14-point road loss (51-65) to the Pirates in both teams' first meeting in the series back in 1990 in Greenville, N.C.
LAST THREE GAMES IN THE SERIES
W, 77-73 (+4) on 12/7/15 in Charleston, S.C.
W, 72-68 (+4) on 2/3/92 in Charleston, S.C
L, 51-65 (-14) on 12/17/90 in Greenville, N.C.
ANDERSON RECAP
College of Charleston 59, Anderson 45
• The Cougars are now 34-10 all-time (.773) when playing games at the North Charleston Coliseum since 1993. It was the team's first game in the venue since 2010.
• College of Charleston is now tied in the all-time series with Anderson, 1-1, and it marked only the second meeting between both schools since the first in 2012.
• Grant Riller registered a team-high 13 points, which marked his fourth double-figure scoring game of the season.
• Jarrell Brantley recorded a stat line of nine points, five rebounds and a career-high tying four assists including two dishes for three-pointers made by Grant Riller and Marquise Pointer.
• Evan Bailey turned in a season-high seven points and a career-high nine rebound versus Anderson. It marked the third time in his career to lead the Cougars in the rebounding column. He also went a career-best 7-of-10 from the free throw line.
• The CofC defense held Anderson to an opponent season-low 45 points and 20 percent shooting from beyond the arc (4-of-20). The Cougars previously held an opponent to 40 points against Boise State (47 points) in the first round of the ESPN Gildan Charleston Classic on Nov. 17.
COUGAR SOUND BITES
"Every team we are going to play in this road stretch will present different challenges for us. But, it's that time of the year to see if we can be competitive on the road and have success away from TD Arena. We have played well at home, but now, you have to find a way to win on the road. At the end of the day, to be good in conference play, you have to find ways to win those games on the road. You have to be eight points better, you have to have some toughness, you have to have a great bench, you have to be together and connected and you have to provide your own energy. There a lot of things that you have to do. This is a good stretch for us. " – College of Charleston Head Coach Earl Grant on the team's next five-game road stretch of games after finals
"They (ECU) are well-coached and have good, talented players. They play in a good league. They have played well so far this year and they will be playing on their home court. It is going to be a great opportunity as well as a nice challenge for us up in Greenville on Thursday night." – Coach Grant on playing East Carolina
"It's a great opportunity. It's the next test. Obviously, it's a little different challenge playing three-to-four games in a row. You have to be on top of your game plan. This is the most fun part of the year. Exams are over and all we have to focus on is basketball now for a good two-to-three weeks. We are excited about the challenge ahead." – Redshirt Junior Guard Joe Chealey on the team's tough road stretch ahead
"They (ECU) are a talented group. They can get up-and-down the court and score the ball well. We have experience playing them last year. We are excited for the challenge. We will have to play well on the road to be successful." – Chealey on the ECU matchup
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
F
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's Basketball
G
/ Men's BasketballCharleston Women's Basketball Post Game Press Conference vs. Charleston Southern (11/7/25)
Friday, November 07
Cougars Uncaged Episode 2: Chad Traylor
Thursday, November 06
Charleston Men's Basketball Post Game Press Conference vs. Tusculum (11/3/25)
Tuesday, November 04
Charleston Women's Basketball Post Game Press Conference vs. Covenant (11/3/25)
Tuesday, November 04
