The Citadel Athletics

Box Score (PDF)

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Citadel basketball team dropped an 81-68 decision at College of Charleston in the 2016-17 season opener Friday evening.
 
Sophomore Zane Najdawi led the Bulldogs with a career-high 28 points and added a career-high 12 rebounds for his first career double-double. The Midlothian, Virginia, native was 8-of-13 from the field, including 2-for-4 behind the arc, and 10-of-10 from the free throw line.
 
True freshman Preston Parks added 12 points and three rebounds in his Bulldog debut, and fellow freshman Frankie Johnson scored nine points, including 7-of-8 at the free throw line. Parks and Johnson were two of six freshmen who made their collegiate debut on the court Friday night.
 
The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick lead to open the game with Najdawi responsible for the first seven points to give The Citadel a 7-2 lead at the first media timeout. The rest of the first half was a back-and-forth affair as the teams traded the lead five times. The Citadel went on a quick 10-0 run in two minutes of play to take a 23-19 lead at the under-four media timeout. College of Charleston responded with another run and took a 32-26 halftime advantage into the locker room.
 
The game remained tight throughout the second half as The Citadel stayed within two possessions for the majority of the final 20 minutes, but the Cougars were able to hold off each run and come away with the win.
 
The Citadel is back in action Sunday for its home opener at 2 p.m. against Johnson University of Florida. For tickets, visit CitadelSports.com/tickets. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3, and live stats will be available at CitadelSports.com.
 
For more information on The Citadel basketball, follow @CitadelHoops or visit CitadelSports.com.