Charleston Southern University’s men’s basketball team lost an overtime game to USC Upstate on Wednesday night, with a final score of 86–81. The defeat marks CSU’s fifth Big South Conference game and the second consecutive home overtime contest for the Buccaneers.
The game was closely contested throughout, with Charleston Southern holding a narrow three-point lead late in the first half. Brycen Blaine hit a three-pointer with less than 30 seconds left before halftime, giving CSU a six-point advantage at the break.
CSU led by as many as eight points in the second half. However, two turnovers and no made field goals in the final three minutes allowed USC Upstate to erase the deficit. Regulation ended tied at 72–72, sending both teams into overtime.
A’lahn Sumler and Brycen Blaine were central to CSU’s offense in extra time, combining for seven of CSU’s nine points during that period. Despite their efforts, USC Upstate secured its first Big South victory of the season by outscoring Charleston Southern 14–9 in overtime.
“A’lahn Sumler would score a career-high 35 points Wednesday night, adding 5 assists and 5 rebounds as well.”
“Brycen Blaine posted his sixth double-double of the season, recording 26 points and 11 rebounds.”
USC Upstate had an advantage on offensive rebounds (16-7), which resulted in a significant margin in second-chance points (20-0). Charleston Southern also struggled from the free-throw line, converting just 52%—their third-worst percentage this season—and leaving twelve possible points unclaimed.
“Reis Jones and Devin Brafford continued their rim protecting ways as each big man swatted three shots a piece.”
Charleston Southern will have nearly a week off before traveling to Presbyterian College for their next game on January 21 at 7:00 PM. The match will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Fans can watch Coach Nimley discuss upcoming opponents and recap recent games on the “2025-2026 Nimley Coaches Show” available via CSUsports.com or social media platforms such as X/Twitter and YouTube.
For updates on CSU Men’s Basketball, followers are encouraged to check Instagram and X/Twitter @csu_mbball.
