Michael Rataj leads Oregon State to victory over Charleston with 16 points

In a competitive matchup during the Diamond Head Classic held in Honolulu, Hawaii, Deywilk Tavarez led the Charleston Cougars to a 77-68 victory over the Loyola Chicago Ramblers on December 23, 2024. Charleston entered the game with a record of 9-3, while Loyola Chicago was also sitting at 9-3. The match was pivotal for both teams as they vied for a better position in the consolation bracket of the tournament. Tavarez exhibited an impressive performance, scoring 30 points, including 7 three-pointers from 16 attempts, and also contributing significantly with 5 free throws coming from 6 attempts. Along with Tavarez, the Cougars received solid performances from Derrin Boyd and Ante Brzovic, who scored 16 and 14 points respectively. Boyd's influence was notable as he provided crucial points in the second half. Loyola, despite a commendable effort, couldn't maintain their lead after Charleston initiated an 8-0 run that shifted the momentum of the game midway through the second half. For Loyola Chicago, Jalen Quinn was the top scorer with 17 points and contributed defensively with two steals. Sheldon Edwards and Miles Rubin also contributed with 11 and 10 points respectively, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Charleston's late-game surge. The loss placed Loyola Chicago in a challenging position as they aim to recover in subsequent matches. This victory not only improved Charleston’s overall record but also enhanced their confidence following previous performance setbacks in the tournament. The coaching staff of Charleston highlighted the importance of this victory for team morale and their future outings in the Diamond Head Classic, indicating a step-up in competitiveness as the season progresses.