CHARLESTON, S.C. — In an exciting matchup on Thursday evening, AJ Smith and Derrin Boyd each contributed 25 points to lead Charleston to an 81-74 victory over Stony Brook.

Smith showcased his shooting skills, hitting 10 out of 17 attempts from the field, including 2 of 5 from beyond the arc, and converting 3 of 4 at the free-throw line, bolstering the Cougars’ performance as they improved to 17 wins and 5 losses, with a 7-2 record in the Coastal Athletic Association.

Boyd also put in an impressive performance, going 7 for 15 from the field, including a solid 5 for 11 from three-point territory, and making 6 of 7 from the free-throw line. Ante Brzovic added to the team’s success by scoring 17 points, shooting 7 of 11 from the field with 2 of 4 from the line.

On the other side, the Seawolves were powered by CJ Luster II, who tallied 27 points in the contest. Andre Snoddy had a strong showing with 13 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks, while Leon Nahar added 12 points to the mix.

Brzovic made an early impact with eight points in the first half, but Charleston found themselves trailing 36-32 at halftime. In a spectacular second half, Smith’s contribution of 17 points played a crucial role in turning the tide of the game.

Looking ahead, Charleston gears up for an upcoming clash against William & Mary on the road this Monday. Stony Brook is set to face UNC Wilmington this Saturday, aiming to improve their season record.