College of Charleston opens with 81-68 win over The Citadel

Nov 11, 2016, 10:17 pm

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Joe Chealey had 24 points and Grant Riller added 21 as the College of Charleston opened the season with an 81-68 win over The Citadel on Friday night.

Jarrell Brantley chipped in 11 points and pulled down nine rebounds. Nick Harris grabbed 13 boards for the Cougars.

Charleston was up at the half, 32-26, but The Citadel closed to 55-52 after Zane Najdawi hit two free throws and a jumper. Chealey answered with a 3-pointer with 7:31 left in the second half and the Cougars began to pull away.

Charleston held the Bulldogs to 21 percent shooting in the first half. The Cougars finished with 29 of 59 shooting, 42.4 percent, while limiting The Citadel to 30 percent from the field.

Najdawi, who made all 10 free throw attempts, led the Bulldogs with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Preston Parks added 12 points.