Chealey, Riller help Charleston down Northeastern 69-64

Feb 2, 2018, 02:48 am

BOSTON -- Joe Chealey scored 23 points, including a pair of free throws with two seconds left to put the game out of reach and Charleston defeated Northeastern 69-64 Thursday night in a battle for first place in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Charleston (17-6, 8-3) had four players reach double figures: Jarrell Brantley and Grant Riller scored 13 each, Riller converting a three-point play with 1:46 remaining for a five-point lead. Cameron Johnson added 11 points, Nick Harris 10 rebounds. Chealey and Riller each had three steals.

The Cougars are tied atop the CAA with William & Mary, which also won Thursday. The teams face off February 8.

The Cougars controlled the paint, scoring 40 points from close-in to Northeastern's 22. The Huskies (14-9, 7-4) drained eight 3-pointers to three for Charleston, but also turned the ball over 11 times, which were turned into 17 points.

Northeastern's Donnell Gresham was at the line with four seconds remaining, made the first one and tried to miss the second and set up a tying basket, but his throw missed the rim and the turnover gave Charleston the final possession. Gresham led Northeastern with 18 points, Vasa Pusica added 11.