CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Ben Burnham came off the bench to score 13 points to lead four players in double figures as No. 23 College of Charleston held on to beat Delaware 75-64 for its 15th straight win on Saturday.
Ranked for the first time in more than two decades, the Cougars were challenged from the opening tap by the Blue Hens (9-7, 1-2 Colonial Athletic Association) in the first home game since entering the Top 25.
College of Charleston (16-1, 4-0) lost its second game of the season at North Carolina but hasn't lost since and extended the nation's longest win streak.
With Charleston trailing, the 6-foot-7 Burnham keyed a crucial 15-5 run to help secure the victory.
A Burnham layup, short jumper and a follow dunk gave the Cougars a 65-55 lead and some much-needed breathing room.
The Cougars connected on 8 of 10 free throws over the final two minutes to hold off Delaware.
Delaware was playing without its leading scorer Jameer Nelson Jr., who was averaging more than 19 points, and missed the game with an undisclosed injury.
Delaware’s Jyare Davis and L.J. Owens kept the Blue Hens in the game in the opening half combining for 21 points.
Davis’ layup and Owens’ 3-pointer gave the Blue Hens a 15-12 advantage — Delaware’s biggest lead of the game — midway through the first half.
Charleston answered with an 11-4 run and grabbed a 23-19 lead on Burnham’s layup with 6:07 to play in the first half.
The Cougars finished the half on a 13-5 run to take a 35-27 lead into the locker room.
Dalton Bolon finished with 13 points and Ryan Larson added 12 points and six assists for Charleston.
Delaware was led by Davis’ 18 points and Christian Ray with 14 points.
BIG PICTURE
Delaware: The Blue Hens were going to have a difficult time against Charleston without Nelson in the lineup. That Delaware kept things as close as it did is something it can build on during CAA play.
Charleston: Some wondered if the Cougars had what it takes to keep winning after its landmark appearance in the Top 25 this week. They showed they did with consecutive victories against North Carolina A&T and the Blue Hens. Charleston could move up in the rankings this week.
UP NEXT
Delaware returns home to play Towson on Wednesday night.
Charleston heads to UNC Wilmington on Wednesday night.
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