Keeling scores 27, Charleston Southern beats SC State 89-72

Nov 14, 2018, 05:10 am

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Christian Keeling led the way with 27 points as Charleston Southern eased past South Carolina State 89-72 on Tuesday night.

Keeling was 8 of 14 from the floor and 9 of 9 from the free throw line as Charleston Southern (2-1) made 20 of 29 free throw attempts. The Bulldogs (1-2) made 12 of 15 free throws.

Deontaye Buskey and Sean Price contributed 13 points apiece with Price grabbing eight rebounds for the Buccaneers.

South Carolina State shot 53 percent, 29-of-55, but got off fewer shots than the Buccaneers who finished with 31-of-62 (50 percent). The Bulldog made just 2 of 9 from distance with Charleston Southern hitting 7 of 23.

The Buccaneers sprinted to a 48-30 advantage at the break. South Carolina State closed to 80-70 with 3:19 left after a Jahmari Etienne layup. Keeling answered with a layup and later hit two free throws for an 84-72 lead with 1:21 left.

Damani Applewhite led South Carolina State (1-2) with 22 points.