TOWSON, Md. (Interstat) — Facing a double-digit deficit after a torrid first quarter from Towson, the College of Charleston women’s basketball team turned to its star. Taryn Barbot delivered a career-defining performance, scoring 36 points to fuel a massive second-half surge and lead the Cougars to an 88-78 comeback victory over the Tigers in a Colonial Athletic Association matchup Friday night at SECU Arena.

The game turned on a dominant third quarter by the visiting Cougars, who outscored Towson 31-15 to erase a halftime deficit and seize control. That period was the most important part of the contest, transforming the game’s trajectory.

Towson, led by Thalia Shepard’s 26 points and five assists, came out scorching. The Tigers shot efficiently from the perimeter and attacked the rim to build a 29-20 lead after the first quarter. They maintained a 45-33 advantage at halftime, seemingly in command before a crowd of 513.

The second half was a different story entirely. Charleston’s defense tightened, generating turnovers and converting them into easy baskets. The Cougars established a decisive 56-16 advantage in points in the paint for the game, a margin that became overwhelmingly apparent after the break. Barbot, a 5-foot-10 guard from Floral Park, New York, was the catalyst. She scored from all levels, attacking the basket relentlessly and hitting key outside shots. Her effort was part of a larger offensive explosion that saw Charleston shoot 58% from the field in the second half.

Alongside Barbot, Grace Ezebilo provided a crucial interior presence, scoring 15 points and grabbing numerous key rebounds. Taylor Barbot added 16 points and five assists, while Tyja Beans chipped in 13 points. The Cougars also capitalized on Towson’s mistakes, scoring 19 points off turnovers.

For Towson, Shepard’s early heroics were not enough to withstand Charleston’s onslaught. India Johnston scored 15 points and Masyn Marchbanks added nine, but the Tigers’ offense grew stagnant against the adjusted Cougar defense. Viki Matulevicius scored 10 points but committed several costly turnovers in the second half.

The victory improved College of Charleston’s record to 21-4 overall and solidified its position near the top of the CAA. The loss dropped Towson to 14-12.

Barbot’s 36-point outing marked a season high and continued her strong recent play, following a 22-point effort in a win over Northeastern earlier in the week. Her ability to take over the game in the pivotal third quarter proved the difference.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Charleston was projected with a 73.9% probability to win. The Cougars fulfilled that forecast, but only after navigating early adversity and unleashing a game-changing run after halftime.

College of Charleston next hosts William & Mary on Feb. 27. Towson will look to rebound quickly, hosting Stony Brook on Sunday.