College of Charleston Riding Momentum, William & Mary Seeking Bounce-Back
College of Charleston vs. William & Mary: CAA Showdown
The College of Charleston Cougars (17-5, 7-2 CAA) will face off against the William & Mary Tribe (13-9, 7-2 CAA) in a crucial Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) matchup on Monday night at 8:00 PM EST. Both teams enter the game tied atop the conference standings, and with the Cougars looking to extend their win streak, this game will be vital in the race for the CAA title. After a strong victory over Stony Brook, Charleston is eager to secure a road win, while William & Mary looks to bounce back after a tough loss to Campbell.
College of Charleston: Momentum on the Road
The Cougars come into this game riding a two-game win streak, including an impressive 81-74 home win over Stony Brook. Despite a slow start, the Cougars rallied in the second half, shooting nearly 53% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. AJ Smith and Derrin Boyd were instrumental in the comeback, both scoring 25 points. In addition to their scoring prowess, Ante Brzovic contributed 17 points and 5 rebounds, while CJ Fulton added his first career double-double with 11 assists and 11 rebounds.
With the victory, Charleston improved to 17-5 on the season and 7-2 in CAA play. The Cougars will now aim for their third consecutive win and a 6-2 road record this season. Charleston ranks third in the CAA in points per game, and their offensive success is highlighted by their fifth-place ranking in field goal shooting and third in three-point shooting. They also rank fourth in the conference for three-point field goals made per game.
Defensively, Charleston has room for improvement, as they rank 10th in the CAA in scoring defense. However, they remain competitive, ranking sixth in field goal defense and fifth in three-point defense. The Cougars will need to shore up their defense to stop the Tribe’s high-powered offense, especially after allowing over 70 points per game in recent contests. A win over William & Mary would push them past the Tribe in the CAA standings and keep them in contention for a top spot.
William & Mary: Bouncing Back After Setback
William & Mary is coming off a brutal 96-55 loss to Campbell, a game in which they were dominated from the start. The Tribe shot just 26% from the field and a dismal 12% from three-point range. Despite Matteus Case’s game-high 17 points, William & Mary struggled to keep up with Campbell’s shooting and physicality. This loss dropped the Tribe to 13-9 overall and 7-2 in the CAA, as they now look to defend their perfect home record.
The Tribe has been a force at home, sporting an undefeated 9-0 record this season. With their high-powered offense, they lead the CAA in scoring, shooting 79.4 points per game. William & Mary also ranks third in the conference in field goal shooting and second in three-point shooting, with the team sitting first in three-point field goals made per game. Their offensive efficiency is ranked 87th in the nation, as they continue to rely on their perimeter shooting to carry them.
However, William & Mary has struggled defensively this season. They rank 11th in the CAA in scoring defense and 9th in field goal defense, with their defensive efficiency ranked 307th in the country. They will need to tighten up defensively to contain Charleston’s offensive weapons, especially Boyd and Smith. William & Mary’s defensive struggles could be their Achilles’ heel if they cannot find a way to slow down the Cougars’ efficient shooting.
Conclusion
While William & Mary has been dominant at home, their defensive struggles, combined with the high-scoring capability of the College of Charleston Cougars, could be their downfall in this matchup. Charleston’s balanced offensive attack, coupled with their strong rebounding and scoring ability, will be difficult for the Tribe to overcome. However, William & Mary’s ability to shoot the three and score in bunches will keep this game competitive.
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