SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — In an exciting season opener, Charleston triumphed over Southern Illinois with a final score of 90-80, led by Ante Brzovic who scored 27 points.

Brzovic also dominated on the boards, pulling down nine rebounds for the Cougars. Deywilk Tavarez contributed significantly, adding 17 points to the scoreboard, efficiently going 5 for 7 from the field, which included three 3-pointers. He also sank all four of his free-throw attempts. CJ Fulton matched Tavarez’s scoring effort with 17 points, showcasing his shooting skills as he hit 6 of 12 attempts from the field and also made three shots from beyond the arc, in addition to recording seven assists.

On the other side, Elijah Elliott stood out for the Salukis, scoring 23 points and securing three steals. His performance was complemented by Ali Abdou Dibba, who garnered 14 points along with two steals. Kennard Davis added to the Salukis’ efforts with 12 points and three steals, though the team ultimately fell short.

The Cougars held a slight advantage at halftime, leading 45-42, with Brzovic being the team’s top scorer with 14 points by the end of the first half. The decisive moment came with 7:44 remaining in the game when Brzovic made a crucial layup, giving Charleston a permanent lead at 73-71.

This match kicked off the 2023 season with high intensity and showcased the talents of emerging players on both teams, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.