RALEIGH, N.C. – Charleston Southern men's basketball fell in its first road affair of the 2023-24 campaign as NC State used a late first-half effort to pave the way to an 87-53 win at PNC Arena.

SOLID FROM THE FIELD
Charleston Southern saw success from the field in the contest Friday night, shooting 38% in the first half and following it up with a 42% effort in the second stanza, bringing the total game percentage to just under 40%. The Buccaneers were only able to get 48 shots in the contest, compared to State's 63, and CSU made 19 of those attempts while NC State reached 32.   

THREE IN DOUBLE-FIGURES
Three different Bucs found double figures in the contest, with Taje' Kelly and RJ Johnson both leading the way with 12 points. Louis Hutchinson had an impressive first-half effort as well for the Bucs, staying perfect in the stanza and finishing the night with 11 points. Hutchinson also benefited in other aspects, leading the way on the boards with seven.
 
FRIENDLY STRIPE
The charity stripe saw success from Charleston Southern, though trips were hard to come by throughout the contest. The Bucs were held to just 11 attempts from the line, but nine of them were able to fall. Both Kelly and Johnson recorded four makes to lead the team, with Johnson making it a perfect four-for-four. 
 
DEPTH EARLY ON
Charleston Southern received minutes from ten different players, eight of which contributed at least 10 minutes in the contest. RJ Johnson led the way in that department, standing as one of just two Buccaneers to play at least 30 minutes with 32:00. DJ Patrick stood as the only other Buc with 30+ minutes on the floor.

TURNOVERS THE STORY
The Buccaneers struggled with the basketball tonight, turning the ball over 22 times, including multiple :10 calls. It was the first time this season CSU saw any type of pressure in the backcourt. State was able to use the backcourt pressure as a catalyst for the substantial run late in the first half.

UP NEXT
The Bucs continue the road trip as a trip to Daytona Beach for a clash with the Bethune-Cookman stands as its next affair. The contest is slated for a 7:00 p.m. tip Monday, November 17.