Charleston's Jlynn Counter stole the show at the Cabot Center, leading his team to an 89-84 win over Northeastern. Counter's impressive 28-point, 11-assist outing was the difference-maker in a game that saw both teams trade baskets throughout. Despite being predicted to lose by a slim margin, Charleston's strong second-half performance ultimately sealed the deal.
Northeastern's William Kermoury did his best to keep his team in the game, pouring in 36 points and grabbing five rebounds. However, it wasn't enough to overcome Counter's dominant performance. The Charleston guard consistently found ways to get his teammates involved, and his 11 assists helped to spread the wealth on offense. Christian Reeves and Chol Machot chipped in with 17 and 12 points, respectively, as Charleston's balanced attack proved too much for Northeastern to handle.
The first half saw Northeastern take a 40-38 lead into the break, with Kermoury and Mike Loughnane combining for 27 points. However, Charleston came out strong in the second half, outscoring Northeastern 51-44 to take the win. Luca Soroa Schaller's 13 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists were a bright spot for Northeastern, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Northeastern edging out Charleston by a single point, but the actual result was a five-point victory for the visitors. The incorrect prediction is a reflection of the unpredictability of college basketball, and Charleston's ability to rise to the occasion.
As for the tournament implications, this win is a solid addition to Charleston's resume. The victory over Northeastern, although not a Quad 1 win, still helps to bolster Charleston's chances of making a postseason push. With a current NET ranking of 174, Charleston must continue to rack up wins to stay in the conversation. For Northeastern, the loss is a Quad 4 defeat, which won't help their already slim tournament hopes. With a record of 6-15 and a NET ranking of 250, Northeastern's chances of making a deep postseason run are dwindling.
The win for Charleston is a reflection of the team's resilience and ability to perform on the road. With Counter leading the charge, Charleston want to build on this momentum as they continue through their schedule. As for Northeastern, they'll need to regroup and find ways to close out games like this one if they hope to turn their season around. The loss may not be a devastating blow, but it's a missed opportunity for Northeastern to pick up a much-needed win.