Bucs Struggle With Shooting in 81-63 Loss to Bulldogs

Orangeburg, South Carolina – Bucs Face Tough Loss Against Bulldogs

On December 9, 2024, the Charleston Southern Buccaneers suffered an 81-63 defeat to the South Carolina State Bulldogs in a challenging matchup that took place in Orangeburg. This clash marked game twelve of the 2024-25 men’s basketball season for the Bucs, who traveled roughly an hour from their home base to confront a foe they narrowly lost to by two points in the previous season.

A Tough Start

The Buccaneers faced difficulties right from the start, making it hard for them to find their rhythm. Their early struggles showed a lack of shooting efficiency, as they concluded the first half with a 14-point deficit. This slow beginning plagued Charleston Southern throughout the game, hindering any chance of a comeback against the Bulldogs.

Rebounding Dominance

Despite their shooting challenges, the Bucs managed to out-rebound their opponents. Charleston Southern controlled the boards with a total of 39 rebounds compared to South Carolina State’s 33. This dominance on the glass is a trend the Bucs have maintained throughout the season, showcasing their strength in this important aspect of the game.

Shooting Struggles and Turnovers

Three-point shooting has been inconsistent for the Buccaneers this season, and that theme continued against the Bulldogs. The Bucs attempted 16 three-pointers but only managed to convert on two. This poor shooting performance hampered their offensive efforts significantly.

Moreover, turnovers became a significant issue for CSU, as the team committed 17 turnovers compared to just five by South Carolina State. These mistakes allowed the Bulldogs to capitalize and maintain their lead throughout the game.

Standout Performers

Despite the defeat, there were notable individual performances. Taje’ Kelly, recognized as last week’s Big South Player of the Week, led the Buccaneers with 25 points and secured ten rebounds, marking his third double-double of the regular season. Additionally, junior forward Reis Jones contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, providing some spark for the team amidst the struggles.

Looking Ahead

Following this disappointing outing, Charleston Southern will have a brief break in their schedule. The Buccaneers will return to action on December 19 when they travel to Florence, Alabama, to take on the North Alabama Lions. Fans will be eagerly anticipating this matchup, looking for the team to bounce back from their recent loss.

For the latest updates and news regarding CSU Men’s Basketball, supporters can follow the team on Instagram and X/Twitter at @csu_mbball.

Conclusion

The Buccaneers have shown potential throughout the season, marked by their strong rebounding skills. However, significant areas such as shooting and ball security need improvement if they hope to compete at a higher level moving forward.