Seven Free Points the Difference vs Coastal

Final Score: College of Charleston 77, Coastal Carolina 70

Top Performers: Matt Sundberg 17 points (5-7 3pt)

                              Andrew Lawrence 18 points, 7 assists

In a game that could have gone either way, seven unexpected points for the Cougars ended up being the difference last night in Conway. 

Before the game even began, the Cougars were ahead 4-0. Unbeknownst to me and apparently two Chanticleers, one is not allowed to dunk in pregame warmups once the refs walk onto the floor. The two players were charged a Class B technical foul which resulted in four free throw attempts for the Cougars. Andrew Lawrence sank all of them and then the opening tip took place. Very strange series of events.

Building off their premature lead, the Cougars expanded upon their score by getting the ball to a still hot Matt Sundberg. Sunny D matched his career high in points (15) in the first half, draining 5 shots from outside. Listening to the game on radio (right after FDR addressed the nation and Orson Welles scared the hell out of me), the strategy seemed to be: Andrew Lawrence drives, CCU defense collapses, outlet to Matt, score. Notice how many assists Lawrence had. Trent and Adjehi put in their second solid performances as they both performed admirably against 6'11 Jon Pack and 6'8 Sam McLaurin. Baru had 8 points and 7 rebounds while Wiedeman had 9 and 6. 

The play of the game came as time expired on the first half. The Cougars were ahead 38-29, had the ball and were looking to get the last shot. Wiggins had it stolen as he dribbled around the perimeter (surprise?). Coastal bailed us out by missing the layup and Wiggins quickly inbounded the ball to Matt with 3 seconds to go. Matt heaved it from half court and got his 5th three pointer of the night. Also, Everett German called it in the air like a boss. The only video I can find of the shot is from WCIV-TV.

In the second half, the Cougars built the lead to as many as 17 before lethargic play got the Chants back into it on one or two runs. I know holding onto leads late has been an issue for this team, but the guys get a pass based on the circumstances. They easily could have come into this game playing slow and sloppy after the Louisville loss and travel. 

As Cremins stated after the game, this was a great win heading into Christmas break. Not that it necessarily should've been a loss, but I know many Cougar fans thought it easily could have been our third defeat. Now the Cougars get to take some time off before returning to the comfortable confines of TD Arena for a game against George Mason.