Charleston tightened its defense and relied on better shots to take control of the fourth quarter in a 64-48 boys basketball victory over a fiesty Marshall squad Friday night.

The Trojans (16-10) have now won more games than any CHS boys basketball team since 2010-11, and they have a chance to earn 20 wins for the first time since 2003-04.

William Applegate ignited the CHS offense in the fourth quarter, scoring eight of his team-game 15 points as the Trojans outscored Marshall 22-9 in the final quarter.

“Applegate was huge for us in the fourth (quarter) with some great drives, steals and scores, and free throws,” CHS coach Cody Drone said.

Charleston had jumped ahead by 11 at halftime.

Marshall, though, took advantage of several CHS mistakes to close within three points entering the final quarter.

“We made some mental mistakes with our turnovers,” Drone said, “but they hit some tough shots and have several really good shooters. “

That’s when CHS clamped down and expanded its lead.

“We were resilient and played a good fourth quarter,” Drone said. “We tightened up defensively and got our looks offensively. Overall, we played Charleston defense the whole game. We had great effort, good intensity and awareness. Hopefully, we can continue building off this win into the postseason.”

Caleb Oakley hit four 3-pointers for 12 points, Jaksen Braun went 4-for-4 on free throws for another 12, and Jackson Burgess chipped in 10.

Charleston next plays host to Paris on Tuesday before facing off with Mattoon on Thursday. The Trojans travel to St. Joseph-Ogden for its season finale Friday.

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Charleston1715102264
Mattoon13818948

CHARLESTON: Applegate 5 5-6 15, Braun 4 4-4 12, Oakley 4 0-0 12, Burgess 3 2-2 10, Smitley 3 0-0 7, Pankey 1 0-0 3, Bonstetter 1 0-0 3. 3-pointers – Oakley 4, Burgess 2, Smitley 1, Pankey 1, Bonstetter 1. Totals 22 11-12 64.