In an intense match on Saturday in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, Taje’ Kelly made a remarkable contribution to the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, scoring 31 points and leading his team to a 79-72 victory over Gardner-Webb.

In addition to his scoring, Kelly recorded nine rebounds, showcasing his versatility on the court. The Buccaneers improved their record to 9 wins and 17 losses, alongside a conference record of 5-6 in the Big South. Daylen Berry also had an impressive game, contributing 20 points while shooting 6 of 13 overall, including 3 for 9 from beyond the three-point line. He also made significant plays with five assists and converted 5 out of 6 free throw attempts. Furthermore, Lamar Oden Jr. added another 13 points with efficient shooting, hitting 5 of 7 from the field and 3 for 5 from three-point range.

On the opposing side, Jamaine Mann was the standout player for the Runnin’ Bulldogs, scoring 30 points and collecting seven rebounds. His performance was vital as Gardner-Webb struggled to secure a win, leaving them with a record of 9-15 and 4-7 in the conference. Darryl Simmons II supported the team with 14 points and four assists, while Anthony Selden chipped in with seven points to aid in the effort.

Looking ahead, Charleston Southern will face Presbyterian at home on Wednesday, hoping to build on their recent success. Meanwhile, Gardner-Webb will hit the road to take on South Carolina Upstate on Saturday, aiming for a rebound after their recent defeat.