Keeling’s game-winner propels Buccaneers past Presbyterian, 85-84

By: CSU Sports Media

Christian Keeling hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 12 seconds remaining to close out a fast-paced final minute of the game as Charleston Southern held off visiting Presbyterian in the Buc Dome on Thursday night, 85-84.

Adam Flagler converted a pair of free throws with 19 seconds left to put PC (13-11, 5-4) ahead 84-82 and giving PC its first lead since the 9:12 mark in the second half. On the ensuing possession, Keeling came off the screen from Travis McConico and launched the ball from the top of the key. His shot hit nothing but net to swing the advantage back to the Bucs.

Dontrell Shuler provided pressure on Davon Bell on PC’s final possession of the game and his buzzer-beater hit off the left side of the rim to secure CSU’s (9-11, 3-4) second consecutive conference win and third Big South win of the season.

Keeling scored a team-high 21 points off the bench with the junior guard hitting 8-of-9 from the floor and 4-of-5 from the three-point line in 23 minutes. He added five rebounds and two blocked shots in the win. Ty Jones (6-of-7, 14 points), Nate Louis (18 points) and Duncan LeXander (14 points) were also in double-digits for CSU in their third consecutive win over the Blue Hose.

PC’s Francois Lewis led all players with a game-high 25 points including five three-pointers. Adam Flagler added 15 points, while Bell (11) and Cory Hightower (10) were also in double-digits for the Blue Hose.

Coach’s Comments

“That is a really good team, a well-coached team with a lot of pieces. This is a really good win for us because of the quality of the opponent. It was a tale of two halves. We couldn’t solve the riddle in the first half. It was a real challenge. We had to be within shouting distance at the half. We were able to do that. We were barely there, had to shout a long way, but we were close enough.” – Head Coach Barclay Radebaugh on the win over Presbyterian.

“It’s up there. This was a great team effort. Glory to my teammates and my coaches for keeping me up, keeping my confidence. The main goal is to win. Whatever role coach wants me in, I’m going to be grateful. It’s not about me, it’s about us.” – Christian Keeling on the final shot.

Up Next

Charleston Southern starts the month of February on the road with a Saturday contest at USC Upstate. Tipoff in the G.B. Hodge Center is set for 4:30 p.m. on ESPN

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