BLACKSBURG, Va. – Charleston Southern men's basketball gave the defending Atlantic Coast Conference Champions all they could handle with a chance to tie it on the last possession of the game before eventually falling, 69-64, at Cassell Coliseum.

TALENTED TRIO
The trio of Claudell Harris Jr., Taje' Kelly and Tahlik Chavez shined tonight in Blacksburg as they combined for 35 points, 19 boards and six dimes. Chavez came out firing in the first half, knocking down three treys early to pace a quick CSU offense. Kelly impressed with 16 points and nine rebounds, one shy of a second-straight double-double. Harris Jr. came alive in the second half, finishing the night with a game-high 17 points on 50% shooting from the field. 

40-MINUTE BATTLE
The contest was played back-and-forth like an Aaliyah record all night long, neither team creating much separation at all. The largest lead for either team was six with CSU leading by six in the first half while Virginia Tech matched that advantage in the latter half of the opening stanza. Both sides seemed to have an answer for the other down the stretch, as there was not a lead over four the final 30 minutes of gameplay.

LIGHTING IT UP
Charleston Southern found much success on the offensive side of the floor Friday night, shooting a combined 43% from the floor, as Kelly, Harris Jr., Tyeree Bryan each shot over 50% from the floor. 
 
IT TAKES A UNIT
Charleston Southern turned in an impressive effort off the bench as well tonight, outscoring Virginia Tech's supporters 22-11. The bench has been a big part of the output on both ends all year for the Buccaneers, as each of the nine players who saw minutes play at least 10 minutes.
 
SHARING THE WEALTH
The Buccaneers laid claim to 12 assists on 26 made field goals in tonight's contest as Harris Jr. accounted for six to lead a group of three different Bucs to collect multiple helpers. Bryan collected three dimes and Reginald Duhart Jr. laid claim to two of his own.
 
BOTH SIDES OF THE FLOOR
Charleston Southern made a statement on the defensive side of the floor, especially in the second half, holding Tech to just 28% shooting from beyond the arc including a 12% clip in the final 20 minutes. Duhart Jr. made his presence known as well on the defensive side of the floor, recording the two CSU blocks in the contest to add to steals from Kelly and Kalib Clinton. 

UP NEXT
The Bucs return home for a cross-town clash with The Citadel as the Bulldogs come to the Buc Dome, for the first time since 2010, Wednesday, November 30. The action is slated for a 7:00 p.m. start.