WILMINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — Jlynn Counter scored 23 points and orchestrated a second-half comeback as College of Charleston stunned Colonial Athletic Association leader UNC Wilmington 79-76 in a men’s basketball thriller Sunday at a sold-out Trask Coliseum.

In a game defined by dramatic momentum swings, the Cougars erased a 12-point halftime deficit by erupting for 56 points after intermission, handing the Seahawks just their fifth loss of the season in front of a crowd of 5,220.

The most important part of the game unfolded over the final frantic minutes. After UNC Wilmington’s Nolan Hodge drained a 3-pointer with two seconds remaining to tie the score at 76, College of Charleston’s Connor Hickman was fouled on the ensuing inbounds play. Hickman calmly sank both free throws to put the Cougars back ahead. The Seahawks’ desperation heave from beyond half-court fell short as time expired, sealing a critical road victory for Charleston.

The outcome avenged a 76-64 home loss to UNC Wilmington just three weeks prior and injected late-season intrigue into the conference race. The Seahawks, who entered the game with a 25-4 record, saw their lead atop the standings shrink, while the Cougars improved to 21-10.

The first half was a struggle for the visiting Cougars, who managed only 23 points and trailed 35-23 at the break. UNC Wilmington’s defense was stifling, forcing nine Charleston turnovers and holding them to 30% shooting from the field. Hodge led the Seahawks with 11 first-half points, including a trio of 3-pointers.

The second half was a different story entirely, ignited by Counter. The junior guard from Oklahoma City, who also dished out seven assists, scored 19 of his points after halftime. His driving layup and free throw with 15:41 remaining capped a 9-0 run that pulled Charleston within two points, signaling the shift in control.

Chris Davis provided crucial support for Charleston, scoring 17 points, including three second-half 3-pointers that kept the pressure on the Seahawks. Christian Reeves, the 7-foot-1 center from Charlotte, added seven points and three blocks, with his interior defense proving vital down the stretch.

UNC Wilmington, which had been projected with a 77.5% probability to win by Interstat’s ELO system, was led by Hodge’s 15 points and Christian May’s 13. The Seahawks got balanced scoring, with Patrick Wessler and Jahnathan Lamothe each adding 11 points and Greedy Williams contributing eight points and five assists. But they could not sustain their first-half efficiency, committing 11 of their 16 turnovers after halftime.

The game featured 13 lead changes and eight ties, with neither team leading by more than four points over the final 12 minutes. Counter’s pull-up jumper with 2:02 left gave Charleston a 71-69 lead it would not relinquish, setting the stage for the chaotic finish.

The victory extends College of Charleston’s winning streak to four games, its longest in conference play this season. The Cougars have won seven of their last eight, with Counter averaging 18.3 points and 6.0 assists over the last three contests.

UNC Wilmington, which had won 10 of its last 11, must regroup quickly as it travels to face Elon on Tuesday. College of Charleston will await its next opponent as the regular season enters its final week, having secured a signature win that will resonate through the CAA tournament.