College of Charleston to Play San Diego State in NCAA Tourney

The College of Charleston will be traveling to Orlando to take on San Diego State in the first round of the Southern Division of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.

Over 300 people braved a rainy Charleston afternoon on Sunday, March 12, 2023, to hear the announcement in TD Arena as part of the College’s Selection Sunday Watch Party.

Screams of delight and cheers of excitement echoed through the arena when CBS announced the Charleston/San Diego State pairing during the national broadcast. The Cougars will play San Diego State on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 3:10 p.m. The game will air on truTV.

Men’s basketball players cheer after learning they’ll take on San Diego State. (Photo by Mike Ledford)

Guard Pat Robinson III says the Cougars will be ready for the matchup.

“It’s an honor to play in the national tournament, but you have to treat it as just another game,” says Robinson.

Guard Dalton Bolon agrees. He says it is great to have the city excited to see the team succeed, but now it’s time for the team to get back to work.

“I think we are up for the challenge,” says Bolon.

Prior to the announcement, men’s basketball Head Coach Pat Kelsey pumped up the crowd by chanting the phrase, “I believe … I believe … I believe that we will win!”