Donavan Monroe scored a career-high 29 points, with 22 coming in the first half, and the College of Charleston defeated Elon 80-77 on Thursday night.
The Cougars (17-9, 12-3 Southern Conference) led 49-38 at halftime before the Phoenix (6-18, 4-9) tied it midway through the second half. Scott Grable, who finished with 12 points, converted a three-point play to make it 64-64 with 7:13 to go.
Andrew Goudelock then hit back-to-back jumpers to spark an 11-4 College of Charleston run over 5 minutes. Goudelock's jumper put the Cougars ahead 75-68 with 1:59 remaining.
The College of Charleston then went 5-for-6 from the free throw line down the stretch to seal the win. It marks the 17th time in 18 seasons the Cougars reached at least 17 wins.
Adam Constantine scored 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Phoenix, who snapped a two-game winning streak.
