Riller's thriller leads Charleston past Towson 54-53

Feb 2, 2019, 11:48 pm

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Grant Riller scored 12 points -- seven in the last 2 1/2 minutes -- and made the game-winning reverse, left-hand layup with 15 seconds left to give Charleston a 54-53 win over Towson on Saturday.

Riller's layup with 2:46 to go brought the Cougars within 51-49. Tobias Howard extended the lead to four with his jump shot with 80 seconds to go. Riller reduced the deficit to one with a 3-pointer. Zep Jesper intentionally fouled Howard sending him to the free-throw and he missed the front-end of a 1-and-1 and Charleston (18-6, 7-4 Colonial Athletic Association) secured the rebound with 23 seconds left, setting up Riller's shot.

The Tigers (8-16, 4-7) called timeout with 10 seconds to go. Brian Fobbs missed a jump shot and Nakye Sanders missed after gathering the offensive rebound ending the game.

Jesper also finished with 12 points with four 3s and Jarrell Brantley grabbed nine rebounds.

Tobias Howard and Allen Betrand each scored 10 for the Tigers.