Faye’s career night isn’t enough for Bucs on the road

CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston Southern men’s basketball dropped their Big South Road opener at UNC Asheville inside Kimmel Arena on Saturday night, 82-59, behind a strong performance from Tennessee transfer Drew Pember. Pember’s 24 points paved the way for the Bulldogs as Cheikh Faye and Taje ‘Kelly were the only double-digit Bucs.

A DAY FOR FAYE

Cheikh Faye had his best game in a Charleston Southern uniform on Saturday night, registering 19 points on 8-13 shots from the field. It wasn’t just about Faye’s scoring, as the forward chased nine rebounds, a team-high, while recording three blocks and two steals.

KELLY A CAREER EVENING

Taje ‘Kelly also joined Faye with a strong performance, registering a new career mark of 16 points on 6-11 shots, including a 4-5 mark on the charity strip. Kelly was also able to chase five rebounds, just one short of her career mark in this category.

Kelly joins Claudell Harris Jr. and Kalib Clinton in freshmen who have made an early impact this season. Harris Jr. and Clinton have both been an offensive force on the field throughout the season, with the duo averaging just under 10 points per game each.

HEALTH FAR AND FAR BETWEEN

Wednesday’s contest marked the seventh time this season that Charleston Southern was not complete, as games against Clemson, Kennesaw State, Jacksonville, Manhattan, South Carolina State and Gardner-Webb were played with at least one starter for cause of injury. Senior Sean Price missed his third straight game with injury.

CONSTANT LEADERSHIP

Deontaye Buskey made his 14th start of the season, a team high, and is the only Buc to have started all of the year’s contests after missing all year one season ago due to a injury. Buskey has been called upon to be an anchor for the team both on and off the ground.

FOLLOWING

The Bucs continue their two-game journey as they head to Buies Creek, NC to face their conference opponent Campbell. The action is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at the Gore Arena.

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