The Basics
Score: Charleston Southern 53 – Furman 66
Record: CSU (2-9) – FUR (6-6)
Location: Buccaneer Fieldhouse
 
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Southern women's basketball team fought for all four quarters, but ultimately fell 66-53 to Furman on Friday evening inside the Buccaneer Fieldhouse.

Charleston Southern was led by Caelan Ellis, who finished with a team-high 15 points, knocking down three three-pointers. Asha Sra added 10 points and a game-high six assists, while Tyonna Bailey chipped in 10 points off the bench.

CSU opened the game with good pace, shooting 50 percent from the field in the opening period. The Buccaneers received early baskets from Ellis, Nevaeh Jones, Alaina Nettles, and Asha Sra, matching Furman possession for possession. Despite the strong start, Furman closed the quarter on a late run and edged ahead 17-15 after 10 minutes. The Buccaneers struggled to find rhythm offensively in the second quarter, managing just eight points on 3-of-12 shooting. CSU stayed within striking distance behind timely three-pointers from Tyonna Bailey and Caelan Ellis, but trailed 29-23 at halftime.
 
Furman seized control coming out of the locker room, opening the third quarter with a 9-0 run that pushed the margin into double digits. The Paladins outscored CSU 22-12 in the period, using five trips to the free throw line to help stretch the lead. The Buccaneers showed resilience in the final period, outscoring Furman 18-15. CSU knocked down all four of its free throws in the quarter. Despite the late push, Furman answered each run and closed out the contest to secure the road win.
 
Box Score Highlights
Charleston Southern Individuals:

• Caelan Ellis: 15 points, 3 three-pointers
• Asha Sra: 10 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds
• Tyonna Bailey: 10 points, 5 rebounds

Furman Individuals:

• Clare Coyle: 19 points, 6 rebounds
• Raina McGowens: 13 points
• Chantelle Stuart: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists

Team Stats
Charleston Southern shot 42.0 percent from the field and connected on seven three-pointers, while finishing a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line. The Buccaneers totaled 29 rebounds and 18 bench points, but were limited to just two second-chance points and were outscored 24-11 in points off turnovers. Furman held advantages in fast-break points (16-0) and points in the paint (28-24).

Turning Point
Between the 1:50 minute mark of the first quarter and the 4:15 minute mark of the second quarter, Furman erupted for a 12-0 run to take the lead away and never looked back.
 
Key Stats & Notes

• Caelan Ellis reach double-digit scoring for the first time in two games and the eighth time this season. Her 15 points led the Bucs this evening.
• Asha Sra recorded 10 or more points for the seventh time this year and third consecutive game.
• Tyonna Bailey reach double-figure scoring for the fourth time this season.
• Sydney Bradley earned her first career start.
• CSU recorded three blocks as a team for the third time this year. 

Up Next
The Buccaneers are back on the court on Sunday, December 21 at 12:00 p.m. as they head to Chapel Hill to face No. 18 North Carolina in Carmichael Arena.

For the latest information on CSU women's basketball, follow @CSUBucsWBB on X and Instagram or go to www.CSUSports.com.