Charleston gave up 23 turnovers and 17 steals but managed to build a 10-point lead late in the second half. Charleston gave up 26 turnovers against Arkansas on Nov. 15, 2007. The most steals given up was not available. With the win, Charleston improves to 2-3 overall and GSU falls to 3-5.

GSU’s full court press gave Coach Bobby Cremins something to worry about.

“They rattled us. I was stunned,” Cremins said. “We had to fight for our lives.”

GSU put the pressure on Charleston early. In the first half alone, GSU forced 12 turnovers to Charleston’s six. The Eagles’ defenders double-teamed

Charleston’s guards up high and kept the score close the entire game.

“The turnovers were really not good. Their pressure really bothered us,” Cremins said. “It’s disappointing. I don’t know what to say.”

Jeremy Simmons had his second career double-double with 13 rebounds and 10 points, but his big role came in his defense. Simmons had a career-high with four blocks and two steals.

“Jeremy is one of the best big men I’ve ever played with,” Andrew Goudelock said. “He’s a hard worker. You should see what he does in practice.”

Goudelock led the game in scoring with 19 points thanks to some big 3-point shooting in the second half. Goudelock connected for three 3-pointers, all within minutes of each other.

Charleston’s Donovan Monroe also connected for some 3-pointers, shooting 4-for-5, finishing with 16 points.

“I’m really proud of these guys. I’m really fortunate to coach two guys like these,” Cremins said, referring to Goudelock and Monroe.

Eagles guard Ben Drayton had six steals and a led his team with 15 points, including the final 3-pointer of the first half that gave GSU a 28-25 lead going into halftime.

Freshman Willis Hall finished the game with 12 points and finished off the scoring for the Cougars with back-to-back free throws.

Cremins credited Hall with his smart basketball. During the second half, Hall lost control of the ball but used his body to guard the ball against two GSU defenders before falling on the ball and throwing it to Tony White, Jr. White returned the favor immediately with a quick pass along the baseline to Hall, who put it in for two.

Charleston will host SoCon rival Davidson this Saturday at the Carolina First Arena at 4 p.m. and that game will be fight, Cremins said.
“It’s going to be a war here Saturday,” Cremins said.

Listen to Donovan Monroe, Andrew Goudelock and Coach Bobby Cremins discuss the game.