CHARLESTON, S.C. – A game-high 22 points from Dontrell Shuler and lockdown defense down the stretch was enough Saturday night as the Charleston Southern men's basketball team took down North Carolina Central 58-53 to extend their win streak.

The Bucs (4-5) got out to a 17-point lead just moments into the second half, but an NCCU (2-8) run over the next nine minutes would erase that margin.

Tied at 50-all with :48 left to play, Shuler drove to the rim for what proved to be the go-ahead bucket as CSU would hold on down the stretch thanks to free throws from Ty Jones, Phlandrous Fleming Jr. and Duncan LeXander.

CSU got to the free throw line consistently in the contest making 16 of their 20 attempts while only surrendering seven attempts at the charity stripe for the Eagles.

CSU's win extends their win streak to three as the Bucs also move to 2-1 at home entering exam break.

How It Happened

• Both teams came out shooting as the Bucs and Eagles traded blows over the first 12 minutes of action sitting at an 18-all tie.
• The Bucs went on 19-4 half-closing run to build the 15-point cushion at the break as Shuler had 14 to lead all scorers through 20 minutes.
• CSU grabbed a 17-point lead just two minutes into the second half, but North Carolina Central wouldn't go away as they chipped at the lead.
• The Eagles eventually tied it and traded baskets with the Bucs down the stretch setting the stage for dramatics tied at 50-all with a minute to play.
• Shuler made his seventh and final basket count as he drove the lane for the game-winning basket breaking a 50-50 ballgame with just :48 on the clock.
• Free throws down the stretch and two defensive stops would do it from there as CSU grabbed the win for their third-straight.

Postgame Comments


News and Notes

• Shuler scored 22 points Saturday, his third time reaching the 20-point threshold this season.
• The sophomore point guard was a perfect-8-of-8 from the free throw line, the second time a Buccaneer was perfect at the line when shooting six-or-more from the charity stripe.
• Duncan LeXander grabbed a team-high seven boards including a key offensive rebound on a late missed free throw to give the Bucs another opportunity to grow the lead.
• The Bucs made it back-to-back wins over first-time opponents this season taking down Missouri of the SEC and Saturday's win over MEAC power N.C. Central.

Up Next
The Bucs get a week off for exams then head to James Madison and Eastern Kentucky for two quick games before a Holiday break. Tipoff from Harrisonburg, Va. is slated for Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. on FloSports.