CHARLESTON, S.C. — Behind 17 made three-pointers and a balanced scoring effort, The Citadel (7–15, 4–5 SoCon) completed the program's first season sweep of VMI (6–16, 1–8 SoCon) since 1998, topping the rival Keydets behind a decisive 80–56 victory Thursday night at McAlister Field House.

Christian Moore scored a game-high 20 points to lead The Citadel, knocking down five three-pointers to record his third 20-point performance of the season. Carter Kingsbury finished with 16 points and seven assists, recording career highs in both assists and made three-pointers with four from beyond the arc. Braxton Williams added 13 points, including three shots from range, marking his 11th double-figure scoring effort in his last 16 games.

Sola Adebisi posted his third double-double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds, good for a career high on the latter. Eze Wali contributed 11 points and four assists, marking his fourth game this season with at least four assists and his second consecutive contest reaching that mark.

The Citadel established control early from long range, connecting on eight three-pointers in the opening half. Moore accounted for four of those, while Kingsbury and Wali also contributed a pair as the Bulldogs led for the majority of the first 20 minutes and carried a 34–25 advantage into halftime.

The Bulldogs created separation early in the second half, opening the period with consecutive three-pointers from Williams. Kingsbury followed with a jumper and another three during a five-possession scoring stretch that pushed the lead to 45–28 with 16:43 remaining.

Adebisi converted multiple second-chance opportunities inside as The Citadel continued to extend the margin. Moore later knocked down his fifth three-pointer with 2:16 remaining to stretch the lead to 78–51 in the closing minutes.

The Bulldogs finished with a 43–30 rebounding advantage, including 14 offensive boards, and recorded 21 assists on 28 made field goals. The Citadel led for 34:43 of the contest and limited VMI to 37.0 percent shooting. Both teams committed 12 personal fouls, and the Bulldogs finished with nine turnovers, their lowest total in Southern Conference play this season.

TJ Johnson led VMI with 16 points, while Mario Tatum Jr. added 11.

The Citadel returns to action Saturday afternoon, hosting UNCG in Southern Conference play. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 pm at McAlister Field House.

SIDELINE REPORTER JACK DELONGCHAMPS POSTGAME WITH HEAD COACH ED CONROY

• Kingsbury returned to the floor and scored 16 points, continuing a stretch that includes four 15-point performances in his last six games.
• Williams pulled down a season-high eight rebounds, marking his best rebounding performance as a Bulldog.
• Adebisi has recorded at least one block in 13 of his last 16 games and ranks fifth in the SoCon in blocks per game.
• Moore and Williams are tied for sixth in the SoCon, averaging 2.2 three-pointers made per game.
• Adebisi recorded his third game this season with three or more steals.
• Moore, Kingsbury, and Williams each shot 62.5 percent or better from three-point range, with a minimum of four attempts.