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2023 Bracketology: UMass, Virginia among teams looking to build on momentum

By Jason Burgess

Nov 24, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; St. Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett watches game action against the Washington Huskies during the first half at Anaheim Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; St. Mary's Gaels head coach Randy Bennett watches game action against the Washington Huskies during the first half at Anaheim Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Charleston Cougars David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
Charleston Cougars David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports /

Charleston Cougars 6-1

Pat Kelsey did it at Winthrop and now in less than two years at the College of Charleston, he has the Cougars rolling as well. The Cougars enter the week 6-1 and are on a five-game winning streak. After losing to No. 1 North Carolina, they came away with the title in their own Charleston classic with victories over Davidson, Colorado State, and Virginia Tech. They then followed that up by handing Kent State their first loss of the year on Wednesday, 74-72.

Like Kelsey’s teams at Winthrop, they can score the ball averaging 82 points per game and they do it by going nine deep with all nine guys putting up at least 6.4. To illustrate how balanced the cougars are, a different player leads them in all the major statistical categories. Sophomore sharpshooter Reyne Smith leads them in scoring and three-point shooting, knocking down 37% of his shots.

For Charleston, this week is all about using the title in their hometown tournament to keep the good vibes rolling against Old Dominion on Wednesday and at The Citadel on Saturday. The Monarchs have begun the year 4-3 having alternated wins and losses since the season began. The Citadel finds themselves 4-3 entering the week and the Bulldogs don’t really do anything on either end of the floor that should scare Charleston but they must contain with seniors Austin Ash and Stephen Clark averaging 31.5 of the team’s 72.4 points.

Next. Top players of the week. dark

Charleston had a coming-out party in their sweep of Davidson, Colorado State, and Virginia Tech, but must avoid an immediate letdown this week with two winnable games.

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