By Abbey Curtis '24

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The College of Charleston men's basketball team defeated Colorado State, 74-64, Friday night to advance to the championship game of the Shriners Children's Charleston Classic on Sunday in TD Arena. It marks the first time that the Cougars will participate in the final of the hometown MTE.
 
Raekwon Horton jump started the Cougars' offense started with back-to-back triples that tied the game early. Colorado State held an early four-point edge in the first half  before five straight points from Pat Robinson III gave Charleston a 13-10 lead. The Cougars took advantage of a late first half surge to take a 37-27 lead at the break.

Ryan Larson dropped five straight buckets to start the second half as Colorado State only reached within six points of the Cougars after the break. The charity stripe proved to favor the Cougars on the night as they shot 80.0% from the line compared to the Rams' 44.4%.
 
Charleston's bench contributed 39 points compared to Colorado State's 23. The Cougars outrebounded the Rams, 41-35, and forced 15 turnovers.
 
Key Cougars

• Jaylon Scott led the Cougars with 12 points and four rebounds, a career-high in a Cougar uniform for the graduate student.
• Raekwon Horton dropped a season-high 11 points and matched a career-high with three triples going 3-of-4 from behind the arc.
• Ante Brzovic collected a season-high 6sixrebounds with four coming on the offensive glass. 
• Pat Robinson III and Reyne Smith contributed a matching 11 points and three rebounds.

• With the win, Charleston advances to the championship game of the Charleston Classic to face Virginia Tech on Sunday at 3:30 p.m.'
• Even though the Charleston Classic takes place inside TD Arena, it is not a Charleston home contest. Season ticket holders must purchase Charleston Classic tickets to cheer on the Cougars. For more information, please click here.