College of Charleston to host Newberry for homecoming game

College of Charleston Aims to Keep Offensive Firepower in Homecoming Showdown

The College of Cougars are set to host Newberry College tonight at TD Arena, looking to build on the most points scored in a regulation game in arena history. According to a report from cofcsports.com, the Cougars tipped off their homecoming celebration with a dominant 111-55 victory over Southern Wesleyan on Monday, a performance that set the tone for the rest of the season.

This isn’t just another game; it’s a homecoming event, a chance for alumni, students, and families to converge and cheer on the team. The 111 points scored against Southern Wesleyan weren’t just a number; they were a statement, the most in a regulation contest at TD Arena since its doors opened, and the ninth-highest scoring output in the entire history of the College of Charleston program.

The Cougars shot a blistering 57.7 percent from the field, a number that climbed to an astounding 61.4 percent in the second half. This offensive efficiency was catalyzed by a team-first approach, evidenced by a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. The team dished out 27 assists while committing just 9 turnovers.

College of Charleston to host Newberry for homecoming game

Eli Ellis led the way with 16 points, followed by Xavier Abreu with 14 and Ben Bradford with 12. The bench contributed a massive 64 points, showing the program's depth. Freshman Conner Groce, the coach’s son, made a significant impact in just six minutes, igniting a 7-0 run and scoring 11 points of his own. Martin Kalu also stood out, grabbing a career-best 9 rebounds in just 17 minutes of action.

John Groce, Head Coach, College of Charleston, said the victory was a great team win. The team shared the ball and played with a lot of energy. The Cougars are still figuring things out, but the offensive firepower is definitely there.

The Wolves, led by head coach Marcus Kirkland in his third season, are coming off a 10-18 overall record and a 6-16 mark in the South Atlantic Conference last year. While the historical record suggests a clear advantage for Charleston—the Cougars lead the all-time series 44-64 and are 2-0 against Newberry since becoming a Division I program—this is a new season for both teams.

Charleston Men's Basketball Post Game Press Conference vs. Southern Wesleyan (11/2/26)

A Night at the Arena: What to Expect

In an effort to enhance fan safety, walk-through magnetometers, or metal detectors, have been installed at the main entrance. Fans should expect to take items like phones, wallets, and keys out of their pockets and place them in a bin before walking through the security checkpoint. The process is designed to be quick, but allowing extra time is always a good idea.

Other game-day logistics remain standard. Doors to the arena will open 90 minutes before the 7 p.m. tip-off, with concession stands opening at the same time. The Cougar Spirit Shop will open an hour before the game. To streamline entry, fans are encouraged to add their tickets to their Apple Wallet or Google Pay app beforehand. The arena’s clear bag policy is still in effect, and an ADA drop-off lane is available on Meeting Street for those who need it.

Alcohol sales will also be subject to stricter enforcement this season. A valid ID must be scanned for every transaction, and vertical IDs will not be accepted. No more than two alcoholic beverages can be purchased in a single transaction, with all ID checks handled by the Aramark concession partners.

Looking ahead, tonight’s game is the first of two this week for Charleston. Following the homecoming matchup, the Cougars will hit the road for the first time in the 2026-27 campaign, traveling to face Temple on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

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