Policelli propels College of Charleston past Coastal Carolina 80-72

CONWAY, S.C. (Nov. 19, 2023) – Frankie Policelli sank three 3-pointers in a 1:27 span to kickstart a late 13-0 run by College of Charleston that sent the Cougars to an 80-72 victory over Coastal Carolina in the final round of the Myrtle Beach Invitational.

Coastal led 64-61 with less than five minutes remaining in the game when Policelli, who had scored only six points up to that point, drained a trio of 3-pointers. And just like that the Cougars had a 70-64 lead, an advantage they extended to 74-64 with two minutes to play.

“Those three 3s just broke the game open,” Coastal Carolina coach Cliff Ellis said. “That’s really the difference in the game. The rebounds were the same (Charleston led 42-41), the turnovers were the same (Coastal had one more at 13-12). It was the 3-point shot. His 3s were the backbreaker in the game.”

Reyne Smith led the Cougars in scoring with 24 points, but Charleston coach Pat Kelsey agreed that Policelli came through at a crucial time.

“He carried us. That spurt was huge,” Kelsey said. “He showed up today at a big moment and really stepped up.”

Kevin Easley led the way for Coastal with 16 points and six rebounds.