Following a highly-successful inaugural campaign in the Colonial Athletic Association, the College of Charleston women’s basketball team has earned a bid to the Women’s Basketball Invitational (WBI) and will play host to USC Upstate at TD Arena, this Thursday, Mar. 20, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. 
“We’re thrilled,” said College of Charleston head coach Natasha Adair. “It’s an opportunity that every program looks forward to, and at the end of the day, we still have a chance to go out and win a championship. I can’t wait to get back out on the hardwood.”
The Cougars (17-14) – who are playing in the WBI for the third time in the last five seasons – have earned the No. 2 seed in the west region, where they will face the Spartans of USC Upstate for the second time this campaign. In their previous matchup on Nov. 17, in Spartanburg, The College rode a furious second half rally to claim a 75-71victory.
The Spartans (17-14), out of the Atlantic Sun Conference, are led this season by Second Team All-Conference performer Brittany Clency who averaged a team-high 11.8 points per game, while Brittany Starling, who was named Preseason All-Conference, contributed nearly a double-double with 10.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
Historically, the Cougars have been strong in the WBI, carrying with them a 3-2 all-time record. Last season, in head coach Natasha Adair’s first year at the helm, College of Charleston went on the road to defeat Northern Kentucky, 72-70, before falling to the No. 1 seed University of Detroit Mercy.
The College is an impressive 10-3 at home this season with four wins over teams who participated in post-season play just a year ago.
