NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Grant Riller scored a game-high 24 points as third-seeded College of Charleston defeated sixth-seeded Drexel, 73-61, in the quarterfinals of 2019 Colonial Athletic Association Men's Basketball Championship on Sunday at North Charleston Coliseum.
 
The Cougars (24-8) move on to the semifinals tomorrow and will face second-seeded Northeastern (21-10) at 8:30 p.m. (ET). It will be a rematch of last year's overtime championship game.
 
Riller was one of three players in double figures for Charleston. Jarrell Brantley registered 16 points and seven rebounds, while Sam Miller came off the bench and added 12 points and seven rebounds.
 
The Cougars never trailed after the game-opening basket by Drexel at the 18:13 minute mark of the first half. Both of their regular-season games against the Dragons (13-19) were decided by a combined three points.
 
This time, CofC played solid defense holding Drexel to a season-low 61 points including 24 in the first half. The Dragons also committed 15 turnovers, which the Cougars converted into 11 points.
 
James Butler led Drexel with 14 points followed by CAA Rookie of the Year Camren Wynter with 12.
 
Tomorrow's game will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network. Single-game tickets for the tournament can be purchased at the North Charleston Coliseum Box Office or online at: www.Ticketmaster.com
 
POSTGAME NOTES
• The Cougars started Marquise Pointer, Grant Riller, Brevin Galloway, Jarrell Brantley and Nick Harris for the 17th time this season (11-6).
• With the win, College of Charleston takes an 11-6 lead in the all-time series with Drexel. The Cougars have now won seven of the last nine meetings between the two schools including two years in a row in the CAA Quarterfinals.
• CofC is now 6-1 all-time when playing in a CAA Tournament game held at the North Charleston Coliseum.
• Grant Riller topped the 20+ point mark for the 21st time this season with a game-high 24 points versus Drexel. He extended his double-digit scoring streak to 27 games.
• Jarrell Brantley registered 16 points, seven rebounds and three steals versus Drexel. He has now tabulated 1,896 career points and 957 rebounds to date.
• Sam Miller turned in his fourth double-figure scoring game with 12 points off the bench against Drexel. He provided half of the team's 24 bench points in the contest.
• The CofC defense held Drexel to a season-low 61 points. It was the second-straight game where the Cougars held their opponent to their season low for points including 61 points versus UNCW on March 2 in the regular-season finale.
• The Cougars have shot 51% or better from the field in three of their last four games including 51.8% (29-of-56) versus Drexel.
• CofC dished out 17 assists versus Drexel, which was tied as the second-most this season in a single game.
 
POSTGAME QUOTES
College of Charleston Head Coach Earl Grant
On the game …
"It was just our second game in 14 days. We came out with great intensity, defended really hard and rebounded the ball really well. I'm proud of their effort. We found a way to win the game. That's what you are trying to do this time of year – advance."
 
On the play of Sam Miller off the bench …
"Sam (Miller) played well. He got eligible in December. He is one of the harder guys to guard in practice, because of his size and skill level. He definitely stepped up tonight and gave us a great lift off the bench."
 
College of Charleston Junior Guard Grant Riller
On the second-half punch by Drexel …
"It was the flow of the game. Everybody can make a run. They (Drexel) punched us in the mouth. We did a good job of getting off the mat. We didn't take care of the ball too well, me personally. But, we were able to push through it and come out with the win in the end."