Elon, N.C. — On Saturday evening, AJ Smith’s impressive performance of 20 points propelled the Charleston Cougars to a 76-62 victory over the Elon Phoenix.

Smith’s shooting stats reflected a somewhat challenging night, as he went 9 for 20 from the field, including only 1 for 6 from three-point range. Despite this, his substantial contribution helped the Cougars improve their record to 16-5 overall and 6-2 within the Coastal Athletic Association. Adding to the team’s success, Ante Brzovic scored 18 points, validating his strong effort with 12 rebounds and five assists. Lazar Djokovic also made his mark on the game with 13 points.

For the Phoenix, TK Simpkins emerged as the top scorer, matching Smith’s output with 20 points. Sam Sherry and Nick Dorn both chipped in 15 points, with Sherry also grabbing seven rebounds to support the effort. The Phoenix currently hold a record of 14-7 and stand at 5-3 in conference play.

The turning point came with just over three minutes left in the first half, when Charleston took control of the game, establishing a lead that they would maintain. Smith’s tactical plays contributed significantly in the first half, where he led his team with eight points, helping to secure a 35-29 advantage at halftime. The second half saw Charleston extend their lead with a decisive eight-point margin over Elon, while Smith continued to shine, adding another 12 points during this period.

Overall, it was a commanding performance by Charleston as they demonstrated their capability in the league, driven by strong individual efforts and collective teamwork.