The College of Charleston men’s basketball team will host Elon at TD Arena on Saturday, January 24. The game is scheduled to start at 12:00 p.m. in Charleston and marks the second meeting between the two teams this season.
Charleston holds a 31-9 record all-time against Elon and has won the last eight matchups. In their most recent encounter on New Year’s Eve, the Cougars secured an 85-81 win at Schar Center. Martin Kalu led Charleston with 19 points in that game, while Chol Machot contributed seven blocks, marking the second highest single-game block total in school history.
The Cougars recently defeated Campbell 87-83 on Thursday, January 22. Jlynn Counter led with 23 points, nine assists, and four rebounds. Christian Reeves added a career-high 21 points and nine rebounds, while Connor Hickman scored 18 points—14 of which came in the first half. During this game, Counter reached his 1,500th career point with a three-pointer during a pivotal run for Charleston.
Counter has now recorded double-digit scoring in eleven consecutive games, becoming the first Cougar since Grant Riller in 2019 to achieve this streak. Graduate student Hickman has also posted at least 18 points in each of his last three games.
Head coach Chris Mack’s program remains unbeaten this season (5-0) in games decided by five points or fewer and holds an overall record of 11-1 under his leadership over two seasons.
Nationally, Charleston ranks among the top programs for free throw production—23rd in makes per game (19.0) and 30th in attempts per game (25.5). The team is also ranked 46th for defensive rebounds per game (27.20). Machot stands out as one of the country’s leading shot blockers; he is fourth nationally with 52 total blocks and eighth with an average of 2.60 blocks per game. With eleven regular season games remaining, Machot already holds ninth place for most blocks in a single season at Charleston.
Since conference play began, Charleston leads its league in both team free throw percentage (78.1%) and overall rebounds (39.1), while ranking second in scoring offense through seven games (80.9).
In their previous matchup against Elon to close out last year, Kalu again led with 19 points; Counter added 16; Machot contributed a double-double along with seven blocks; and Hickman scored ten points. Both teams shot an identical field goal percentage of 44.1%. Charleston limited Elon’s offense below its season average and won the rebounding battle by eleven boards.
Elon enters Saturday’s contest holding a record of 12-8 overall and sits at 4-3 within CAA play after losing to Towson on Thursday night by a score of 72-59. Chandler Cuthrell led Elon with seventeen points and seven rebounds during that loss. Through conference action so far this season, Elon leads its league in both field goal percentage (.490) and assist-to-turnover ratio; Cuthrell ranks fourth individually for scoring average at nearly twenty-one points per game.
Saturday’s event will also serve as part of Coaches vs Cancer Suits and Sneaker Week: “The Cougars coaching staff will join teams across the country in raising awareness and funds in the fight against cancer by wearing sneakers with their suits on game day.”
Additionally: “Charleston Athletics is proud to honor and recognize all active duty service members, veterans, and members of the National Guard throughout Saturday’s contest.”
Doors to TD Arena open ninety minutes before tip-off; concession stands open simultaneously while merchandise sales begin one hour before start time.
Fans are encouraged to add tickets digitally via Apple Wallet or Google Pay prior to arrival for efficient entry.
A clear bag policy remains enforced for all athletic events (policy details). An ADA drop-off lane is available next to TD Arena along Meeting Street.
For those purchasing alcoholic beverages inside TD Arena:
A valid ID must be scanned or swiped for every transaction,
Vertical IDs are not accepted,
No more than two alcoholic drinks may be sold or served per purchase,
All ID checks occur directly at concession stands managed by Aramark partners.
A new walk-through magnetometer security system has been installed at TD Arena entrances:
Fans must remove items from pockets before passing through metal detectors,
Compliant bags may be used to carry personal items,
EPI security staff provide assistance throughout screening process.
After clearing security checks fans can scan tickets at pedestal scanners located inside arena entrance area.
The upcoming matchup can be watched live via FloCollege or Varsity App featuring commentary from Everett German and Danny Johnson.
Additional coverage is available through official X (@CofCBasketball) and Instagram (@CofCBasketball) accounts.
