College of Charleston guts out 73-69 victory over The Citadel

College of Charleston’s basketball team has won everywhere from Waco to Vermont while compiling a perfect road record this season.

But the Cougars’ toughest road trip thus far might have been tonight’s short drive down Meeting Street.

A 13-point underdog and loser of 10 straight, The Citadel gave city rival College of Charleston all it wanted before the Cougars finally secured a 73-69 win before 2,742 fans at McAlister Field House.

Senior guard Andrew Lawrence scored the final seven points for the Cougars, who trailed by 57-50 with 10:13 to play. He finished with 21 points to lead College of Charleston (12-5, 4-1 Southern Conference).

Adjehi Baru had 16 points and 12 rebounds for Charleston, which is 6-0 on the road this season. Anthony Stitt scored 14 points, with two big 3-pointers down the stretch, and Anthony Thomas added 10.

Senior center Mike Groselle led The Citadel (3-12, 0-5) with 19 points and nine rebounds, and freshman Matt Van Scyoc added 17 points. Guard Ashton Moore scored 10.

The Cougars jumped out to an early 11-3 lead, but the Bulldogs rallied behind eight first-half points from freshman guard Janeil Jenkins, who got to the rim for three improbable bank shots.

Groselle’s bucket in the lane capped a 27-14 stretch for the Bulldogs and gave them a 30-25 lead with 2:30 left in the half, and The Citadel settled for a 34-31 lead at intermission.

The Citadel starts a three-game road stretch at Davidson on Thursday, while College of Charleston is at Georgia Southern. The Cougars and Bulldogs meet again Jan. 24 at TD Arena.