Box Score • Season Statistics • Infographic • Press Conference

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Northeastern Huskies were defeated by the Charleston Cougars, 59-38, on Sunday, Jan. 18 to open their three-game road trip.
 
Northeastern (4-12, 1-5) struggled from the floor in the setback, connecting on 14 of its 63 attempts. The offense for the Huskies generated open looks, but the team's shots would not fall.
 
The Cougars (4-13, 2-4) jumped out to an early 8-1 lead and kept the Huskies at bay for the remainder of the game. Charleston finished shooting 24-for-55 from the floor, a mark of 43 percent.
 
Kelly Cole's team was led by senior guard A'lece Mark, who finished with 10 points. The Springfield, Massachusetts, native added 6 rebounds and connected on two-of-eight attempts from beyond the arc.
 
Along with Mark, Northeastern received solid production from junior Samantha DeFreese. The forward finished the game with nine points and 2 rebounds in 25 minutes of work. Sophomore center Francesca Sally chipped in eight points, while captain Amencie Mercier registered a game-high five assists.
 
Northeastern challenged Charleston in the post during the 40 minutes of action, but lost the rebound battle 45-41. The Cougars scored 32 points in the paint to 18 for the Huskies, while also having success on the fast break, outscoring NU by a 14-0 margin.
 
The first half was an offensive struggle for Northeastern. The team was able to generate open looks and create scoring chances, but the shots would not fall for the Black and Red. NU went seven-for-29 from the floor in the opening stanza, a mark of 24 percent. From downtown, the Huskies finished the first half connecting on two of their 15 attempts.
 
Northeastern relied on the steady hands of Mark and DeFreese to guide the team in the first 20 minutes. 
 
Mark had a team-high eight first-half points, while DeFreese chipped in five. Maureen Taggart's presence was felt under the glass as she boasted a team-high four rebounds in the first half. Mercier was the offensive sparkplug, recording four assists.
 
Cole and her team continue their road trip on Thursday, Jan. 22 when they take on the Towson Tigers at 7 p.m. The team will then close out its three-game stretch away from Cabot Center on Sunday, Jan. 25 against the CAA's newest member, Elon. That game is slated for a 2 p.m. tip-off.
 
Game Notes
• Maureen Taggart set a new career high with eight rebounds.
• The Huskies are now 1-2 all-time against the Cougars.
• Northeastern scored 13 points off of turnovers.
• Seven Huskies finished with at least one point .

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