CORAL GABLES, Fla. — In a thrilling matchup, RJ Johnson led the Buccaneers with 23 points, highlighted by a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute of play, as Charleston Southern pulled off an upset against Miami, winning 83-79 on Saturday.

The Buccaneers maintained momentum throughout the first half and carried it into the second, staying ahead for the final four minutes before Miami’s Austin Swartz sank a 3-pointer, shifting the score to 76-75 in favor of the Hurricanes with just three minutes left in the contest. A subsequent three-point play by Lynn Kidd extended Miami’s advantage to 79-75 with only 2:11 on the clock.

However, the Buccaneers responded promptly, with Daylen Berry hitting a vital 3-pointer to narrow the gap to 79-78, followed by Johnson’s timely three that put Charleston Southern back on top at 81-79.

Despite a missed shot in the paint by Kidd, he secured a steal moments later. With 15 seconds remaining, Swartz failed to convert on a 3-pointer, allowing Charleston Southern to gain possession. Miami subsequently fouled Berry, who confidently sank both free throws, establishing a four-point lead with 11 seconds to go.

In the closing moments, Miami’s Jalen Blackmon couldn’t convert a 3-pointer, but A.J. Staton-McCray grabbed the rebound and attempted another shot as time expired, which also fell short.

For Charleston Southern (2-7), Taje Kelly had a standout performance with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, helping the team break a five-game losing streak and clinching their first victory against a Division I opponent this season. Thompson Camara was also notable, contributing 21 points with five successful 3-pointers.

On the other side, Miami (3-4) saw Brandon Johnson leading with 23 points from six 3-pointers, while Swartz chipped in with 15 points off the bench, and Staton-McCray added 13 points to the team effort.