The College of Charleston, ranked 174th in the NET, emerged victorious over Monmouth University, ranked 195th, with a 74-63 win at TD Arena. The Cougars' 11-point margin of victory was the difference between the two teams, with Charleston leading by as many as 11 points in the second half. A 39-35 halftime lead for the Cougars set the tone for the rest of the game.
The final margin of 11 points suggests that Monmouth was within striking distance, but ultimately came up short. The Hawks' 28-point second half was not enough to overcome the Cougars' strong first half performance, and the Monmouth offense was unable to sustain a consistent scoring pace throughout the game.
Christian Reeves led the charge for Charleston, delivering a well-rounded performance with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. His efficiency from the field was a highlight, as he connected on 8 of his 10 field goal attempts and made all 3 of his free throws. Additionally, his defensive presence was felt with 2 blocks. Reeves' all-around effort was a key factor in Charleston's victory.
Chris Davis Jr. provided a significant scoring punch for Charleston, tallying 16 points on 5 of 11 field goal attempts. He was a threat from beyond the arc, making 3 of his 5 three-point attempts, and also showed his ability to finish at the rim, making all 3 of his free throw attempts. Chol Machot chipped in with 14 points, including 6 of 9 from the field, but his assist total was limited to 0, a notable contrast to Reeves and Davis Jr.'s more well-rounded play.
Stefanos Spartalis' well-rounded performance, marked by 13 points and 9 rebounds, was a positive for Monmouth, but ultimately fell short in the face of Charleston's dominant effort. His 1 assist was a modest contribution, but it was the efficiency of the Cougars' offense that proved insurmountable. Spartalis' 5-12 shooting from the field and 1-1 from beyond the arc were respectable, but not enough to propel Monmouth to victory.
Jason Rivera-Torres' 13 points, primarily generated from his 3-5 three-point shooting, were a bright spot for the Hawks, but ultimately couldn't overcome the Cougars' balanced attack. His 4 rebounds and 1 assist were modest contributions, but it was his inability to provide a more significant presence on both ends of the floor that hindered Monmouth's chances. Kavion McClain's 8 points and 6 assists were a spark for the Hawks, but ultimately not enough to sustain a comeback bid.
The rest of the roster for both teams largely adhered to their established season averages.
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Final
The pre-game forecast proved accurate, as Charleston's 11-point victory over Monmouth checked in at 2.8 points shy of the predicted margin. While the final score may have exceeded expectations, it was the Cougars' ability to assert their dominance in the paint that ultimately sealed the deal.
A closer examination of the box score reveals two key factors that contributed to Charleston's decisive win. Firstly, the Cougars' ability to outrebound Monmouth, securing a 25.7% share of available boards, proved crucial in limiting the Hawks' second-chance opportunities. This disparity in rebounding was particularly telling, as Monmouth's offense relies heavily on its ability to crash the glass and convert those opportunities into points. Secondly, Charleston's defense was able to neutralize Monmouth's typically potent three-point attack, holding the Hawks to a season-low 3PT% of 29.4%. This marked a significant departure from Monmouth's season average, and it was a key factor in Charleston's ability to build a comfortable lead and maintain it throughout the contest.
The result of this game has significant implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament resumes. Charleston's win, while not particularly impressive in terms of opponent quality, moves them closer to a potential at-large bid, but it's unlikely to significantly boost their seeding. They still have a long way to go in terms of accumulating quality wins, and their NET ranking of #174 suggests they may be on the bubble. On the other hand, Monmouth's loss, combined with their lack of Quad 2 wins, makes it increasingly difficult for them to secure an at-large bid. With a NET ranking of #195 and a 2-4 record in Quad 1 and 2 games, they may be relegated to the NIT, and their seeding implications are all but eliminated. It's becoming clear that Monmouth's season will be defined by their inability to capitalize on quality opportunities.