CULLOWHEE, N.C. — In a nail-biting matchup on Saturday, Marcus Kell scored 18 points to help Western Carolina secure a tight 76-73 victory over The Citadel, marking the Bulldogs’ 17th consecutive loss.

Kell also grabbed eight rebounds for the Catamounts, who now hold a record of 8-17 and 4-10 in the Southern Conference. Cord Stansberry contributed significantly to the team’s success, shooting 6 for 12 from the field and nailing three of eight attempts beyond the arc, resulting in 15 points. Bernard Pelote chipped in with an additional 11 points, playing a key role in the team’s performance.

On the opposing side, The Citadel, now 5-20 and still searching for their first conference win at 0-14, was powered by Brody Fox, who scored 23 points and gathered eight rebounds. Christian Moore also had an impressive game, scoring 20 points and stealing two possessions. Sola Adebisi added to the Bulldogs’ effort with 10 points and seven rebounds.

With just 16 seconds remaining in the game, Pelote hit two free throws that provided the Catamounts with a crucial three-point advantage. The Citadel struggled to capitalize in the closing moments, missing three shot attempts within the final eight seconds, ultimately sealing their fate.