A strong offensive showing from five players scoring in double figures helped the Presbyterian Blue Hose secure an 87-83 win over the Charleston Southern Buccaneers on Wednesday night. The victory marks the third consecutive win for Presbyterian, improving their record to 11-10 overall and 4-2 in Big South Conference play.
Jonah Pierce led the team with 21 points, shooting 8-for-12 from the field, and contributed eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Carl Parrish added 20 points, while Josh Pickett scored 17 points including three shots from beyond the arc. Triston Wilson finished with 12 points. Jaylen Peterson recorded a double-double with 11 points and ten rebounds.
Presbyterian held a significant advantage in fast break opportunities, outscoring Charleston Southern 18-3 in that category.
The game began with Pierce scoring on a fast break layup. After falling behind early, Presbyterian responded with an eight-point run to take a lead they would not relinquish for most of the contest. The Blue Hose extended their advantage to as much as thirteen points late in the first half before Charleston Southern narrowed the gap to nine at halftime.
In the second half, both teams traded baskets until Parrish hit a key three-pointer to give Presbyterian a twelve-point cushion. The Blue Hose maintained control but saw their lead shrink late as Charleston Southern mounted a comeback. With two seconds remaining, Pickett sealed the win by making one of two free throws.
Presbyterian shot nearly 55 percent from the field during the game. Pierce’s performance marked his sixth game this season scoring at least twenty points; Parrish reached that mark for the fourth time this year. Pickett achieved his fifth double-digit scoring effort of the season while Wilson recorded his eighth such game. Peterson’s double-double was his second this year and contributed to twelve total double-doubles by Blue Hose players so far this season.
Chidi Chiakwelu made an impact defensively by blocking four shots—his sixth game this season with multiple blocks.
Presbyterian will conclude its homestand against Winthrop Eagles at Templeton Center on Saturday, January 24 at 4:30 p.m.
