College of Charleston forward Ante Brzovic powered through a double-team and scored the go-ahead basket with 1:47 remaining Tuesday night, helping the Cougars defeat William & Mary 78-73 at TD Arena and maintain their perfect record in Colonial Athletic Association play.

The victory extended Charleston’s winning streak to six games and moved the Cougars to 6-0 in conference action, keeping pace with expectations for a program that has made postseason noise in recent years. With the loss, William & Mary dropped to 5-1 in CAA play, falling into second place in what’s shaping up to be a tight conference race.

“We knew this was going to be a battle from the start,” said Charleston head coach Chris Mack after the game. “William & Mary came in here with everything to gain, and credit to our guys for executing when it mattered most.”

The Cougars trailed by seven points with 8:32 left in the second half before mounting their comeback. Guard Reyne Smith sparked the rally with back-to-back three-pointers, cutting the Tribe’s lead to one with 5:15 remaining. Smith finished with 19 points on 5-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc.

Brzovic dominated the paint throughout the contest, recording his fourth double-double of the season with 22 points and 11 rebounds. The senior forward has been Charleston’s most consistent performer during this hot streak, averaging 18.3 points and 9.2 rebounds over the past six games.

William & Mary refused to fold despite the hostile TD Arena crowd. Guard Gabe Dorsey kept the Tribe within striking distance with 17 points, including three crucial free throws in the final two minutes. Forward Noah Collier added 15 points and eight rebounds in what turned into a physical battle underneath the basket.

The turning point came with 3:21 remaining when Charleston’s defense forced consecutive turnovers, leading to easy baskets by guards Derrin Boyd and CJ Fulton. That 6-0 run gave the Cougars a 72-68 lead they wouldn’t surrender.

“Our defensive intensity picked up when we needed it most,” Mack noted. “That’s been the hallmark of this team during the win streak – making the right plays at crunch time.”

Charleston’s balanced attack has been key to their early conference success. Five different players scored in double figures against the Tribe, with Fulton contributing 13 points and Boyd adding 10 off the bench. The Cougars shot 48.3 percent from the field and connected on 11 of 24 three-point attempts.

The victory continues an impressive run for Charleston basketball, which has captured the attention of local fans who remember the program’s NCAA Tournament appearances. The Cougars have won 11 of their last 13 games overall, with their only recent losses coming against power conference opponents in non-conference play.

Tuesday’s game marked the fourth sellout crowd at TD Arena this season, reflecting growing enthusiasm around the program. Students packed the lower bowl and created noise that visibly affected William & Mary’s offensive rhythm, particularly in the second half.

“The energy from our fans was incredible tonight,” said Smith. “Having that home court advantage makes a real difference when games get tight like this one did.”

Charleston’s depth proved crucial down the stretch. The Cougars outscored William & Mary 32-18 off the bench, with Boyd providing steady playmaking and freshman forward Ben Burnham contributing eight points in limited minutes.

The defensive effort was equally impressive. Charleston held the Tribe to 41.8 percent shooting and forced 14 turnovers, converting those miscues into 19 points. The Cougars’ pressure defense has been a calling card during their winning streak, allowing just 68.5 points per game over the past six contests.

William & Mary entered the game as one of the CAA’s hottest teams, having won five straight before Tuesday’s setback. The Tribe’s balanced scoring attack had been difficult for conference opponents to contain, but Charleston’s defensive adjustments limited their effectiveness.

The loss snapped a five-game road winning streak for William & Mary, who had been perfect away from home in conference play entering Tuesday’s contest. The Tribe struggled with Charleston’s length and athleticism, particularly in transition situations.

Charleston’s success this season represents a continuation of the program’s upward trajectory. The Cougars have established themselves as a consistent contender in CAA play, building on momentum from previous campaigns while developing new talent.

For local sports fans, Charleston’s hot start provides optimism about the program’s direction under Mack’s leadership. The Cougars have shown they can compete with quality opponents both at home and on the road, suggesting this winning streak isn’t a fluke.

The victory also maintains Charleston’s position atop the CAA standings as conference play intensifies. With several quality opponents remaining on the schedule, the Cougars will need to maintain their current level of execution to secure a favorable seed in the conference tournament.

Charleston returns to action Saturday when they travel to face Northeastern in Boston. The Huskies have struggled in conference play but present challenges with their veteran backcourt and disciplined offensive system.

William & Mary will look to bounce back when they host Towson on Saturday. The Tribe remains in strong position for postseason consideration despite Tuesday’s setback, with their only conference loss coming against the league’s top team on the road.

For Charleston, the focus shifts to maintaining momentum while managing expectations. Six straight wins have raised hopes around the program, but the Cougars understand that sustained success requires continued improvement and consistent effort.

The victory over William & Mary proved Charleston can win different types of games – from offensive shootouts to defensive struggles. That versatility will serve them well as CAA play continues and the postseason approaches.