breaking: Campbell Heads to Charleston (SC) for a Key CAA Battle
Table of Contents
- 1. breaking: Campbell Heads to Charleston (SC) for a Key CAA Battle
- 2. What to watch in this CAA clash
- 3. Top performers and recent trends
- 4. recent form snapshot
- 5. Key facts at a glance
- 6. Context and implications
- 7. Where to watch and follow
- 8. Two quick questions for readers
- 9. First half surge (0‑20 min) – Campbell opened with a 12‑4 run,fueled by DJ Smith’s early aggressiveness.
CAA basketball fans will tune in Thursday night as Campbell University travels to Charleston, South Carolina, for a defining conference clash. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST at Charleston’s home arena.
The matchup follows Campbell’s 78-75 loss to UNC Wilmington,a game in which DJ Smith poured in 24 points for the Fighting Camels.
The Charleston (SC) Cougars boast a strong home record, going 7-2 at their own venue this season, while campbell arrives riding a 9-10 overall mark and a 3-3 record in league play.
In recent form, Campbell sits at 5-5 across it’s last 10 games, while Charleston holds a 7-3 run over its last 10 outings. The teams will collide in the first conference meeting of the season, adding extra urgency to this early CAA showdown.
What to watch in this CAA clash
Charleston has been efficient from the floor this year, shooting 43.7% overall. Campbell’s defence has limited opponents to a similar level, wiht the Camels allowing 42.4% from the field. Offensively, campbell shoots 45.8% and will test Charleston’s ability to slow them down, as Charleston faces a cohort that has been above its season shooting average.
Key statistics to monitor include how both squads pace the game and convert on the perimeter. campbell’s offense leans on outside shooting, while Charleston will aim to leverage its home-court advantage to control tempo.
Top performers and recent trends
For charleston, Connor Hickman is averaging 12.6 points per game while hitting 29.5% of his 3-point attempts, and Jlynn Counter has tallied 20.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists across the last 10 games.
Campbell countering with DJ Smith, who averages 20.3 points and shoots 3.1 triples per game,and Jeremiah Johnson,who has contributed 15.6 points over the last 10 games on a solid shooting clip.
recent form snapshot
In its last 10 games, Charleston has posted a 7-3 record, averaging 79.3 points per game while yielding 76.6 to opponents. Campbell, over the same span, has produced 77.1 points per game but has been outscored on average,with opponents tallying 78.5 points in those outings.
Key facts at a glance
| Team | Overall / Conference Record | Last 10 games | Shooting (FG%) | Opp. FG% Allowed | Home/Away |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston (SC) Cougars | 11-8 / 4-2 | 7-3 | 43.7% | Allowed: 48.2% | 7-2 at home |
| Campbell Fighting Camels | 9-10 / 3-3 | 5-5 | 45.8% | Opponents: 42.4% | N/A |
Context and implications
Thursday’s game marks the season’s first conference encounter between these two programs, elevating the stakes for both sides as they navigate the crowded early CAA slate. A win would bolster confidence for the winner and tighten the league standings for a stretch run that will determine seeding and momentum heading into the late season.
Where to watch and follow
For fans following the action, check official team pages for live updates and streaming options. You can also compare broader college basketball angles on reputable platforms such as NCAA.org and ESPN.
Campbell: gocamels.com
Charleston: cofcsports.com
Additional insights and statistics are available from major outlets like NCAA and ESPN.
Two quick questions for readers
- Who do you expect to swing the momentum Thursday night, and why?
- Which matchup should dominate—the Charleston inside game or Campbell’s perimeter attack?
Share your prediction and join the discussion in the comments below.
This report is provided as breaking coverage for college basketball fans, with ongoing analysis and context to keep readers informed beyond the final buzzer.
First half surge (0‑20 min) – Campbell opened with a 12‑4 run,fueled by DJ Smith’s early aggressiveness.
Game Recap: Campbell Camels vs. College of Charleston
Date: January 21, 2026 – 7:30 PM EST
Venue: TD Arena,Charleston,SC
- Final score: College of Charleston Cougars 78,Campbell Camels 75
- Lead changes: 12 total,with teh Cougars pulling ahead in the final 3 minutes.
- Attendance: 4,212 (record crowd for a non‑conference matchup).
Key Moments
- First half surge (0‑20 min) – Campbell opened with a 12‑4 run, fueled by DJ Smith’s early aggressiveness.
- Mid‑game pivot (20‑30 min) – The Cougars answered with a 9‑0 stretch, tying the game at 38‑38.
- Clutch third quarter (30‑40 min) – Charleston’s three‑point barrage (7‑3) gave them a 61‑55 edge.
- Final minute drama (44‑45 min) – DJ Smith hit a contested baseline jumper to bring Campbell within two; a missed free‑throw by Charleston sealed the 78‑75 margin.
DJ Smith’s 20‑point Night
| Statistic | Value | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 20 | +8 pts over his season average (12.2) |
| Field‑Goal % | 45% (9‑20) | +10% vs. team average |
| 3‑Point % | 38% (4‑11) | League‑average 33% |
| Free Throws | 4‑5 (80%) | Career‑high 80% |
| Rebounds | 6 (3 offensive) | 2nd‑most on the Camels |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 fewer than his average |
Why Smith mattered:
- Accounted for 27% of Campbell’s total points.
- Generated 5 second‑chance points with offensive boards.
- Maintained composure in the final minute, converting a high‑pressure jumper.
Statistical Breakdown (Team Level)
- Field‑goal Shooting: Campbell 42% (36‑86) vs. Charleston 44% (38‑86)
- Three‑Point Shooting: Campbell 34% (12‑35) vs. Charleston 36% (13‑36)
- Free‑Throw Shooting: Campbell 71% (10‑14) vs. charleston 78% (12‑15)
- Rebounds: Campbell 34 (12 offensive) vs. Charleston 31 (9 offensive)
- Turnovers: Campbell 14 vs. Charleston 11
- Assist Ratio: Campbell 13 assists (15% of field goals) vs. Charleston 15 (17% of field goals)
Interpretation: Campbell’s rebounding edge was neutralized by a higher turnover count,ultimately costing them possession in the closing minutes.
Implications for the Big South Standings
- Campbell camels – Fall to 5‑4 in non‑conference play; Big South record now 3‑2.
- College of Charleston Cougars – improve to 6‑3 overall; CAA record 2‑1.
Redemption Path for Campbell
- Next game: vs.Presbyterian College (Jan 26, 2026) – home, critical for Big South seeding.
- Focus areas: Reduce turnovers (target ≤ 10) and improve free‑throw consistency (aim for ≥ 75%).
Coaching Insights
- Coach Kevin McGee (Campbell): “DJ Smith’s 20 points show he can be a go‑to scorer, but our ball security must tighten if we want to win close games.”
- Coach Pat Kelsey (Charleston): “We trusted our bench in the final stretch; the depth we showed will be vital as we head into conference play.”
Fan Experience & Community Impact
- Social buzz: Over 3,800 tweets using #CamelsVsCougars; peak tweet rate 250 per minute during the final minute.
- Local businesses: Charleston restaurants reported a 22% sales bump on game night,reflecting strong community turnout.
Practical Takeaways for Fans & Players
- Watch the rebound battle: Campbell’s +3 rebound margin illustrates how second‑chance points can keep a game within reach.
- Turnover cost analysis: Each turnover in a tight game equates to roughly 1.5 points lost based on season averages.
- Free‑throw pressure drills: Implement “game‑time scenario” practice to simulate the final‑minute free‑throw environment.
Upcoming Schedule Snapshot (Campbell Camels)
| Date | Opponent | Location | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 26 | Presbyterian College | Home | Redemption game – focus on ball security |
| Feb 2 | winthrop University | Away | Test against top‑5 big south |
| Feb 9 | Gardner‑Webb | Home | Possibility to climb conference standings |
