JOHNSON CITY -- A travel-weary Bucs basketball team defended their own court against an old rival Wednesday night at the Memorial Center.

The East Tennessee State University men's team knocked off the College of Charleston, 77-71, before 3,105 fans inside the Mini Dome. The Bucs (2-3) next travel to play Arkansas on Friday.

"There is a premium for winning at home," said ETSU head coach Murry Bartow. "You have to win your games at home."

After struggling on the road the last three games, the Bucs came out strong and never trailed to the Cougars. The largest lead of the game was 12 points early in the second half.

ETSU jumped out to a 5-0 lead thanks to a three-pointer by junior Justin Tubbs. He would lead all scorers with 29 points in the contest.

"It is huge when the first shot goes down," Tubbs said. "It really builds your confidence."

Tubbs definitely had confidence on Wednesday. He connected on 10 of 18 shots, including three behind the three-point arc.

"An unbelievable first half performance," Bartow said about Tubbs.

Tubbs netted 20 points in the opening half. He scored half of the Bucs points in the first half.

"East Tennessee State took it to us in the first half," said Charleston coach Bobby Cremins. The halftime lead was 40-30.

In the second half, there were several different players step up and contribute big plays for ETSU.

Freshman J.C. Ward played 21 minutes and collected 11 points and five rebounds. Junior Tommy Hubbard chipped in a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

The Bucs were in control most of the second half until the final five minutes. The lead hovered around eight points for the first 15 minutes of the half.

Sophomore Adam Sollazzo scored with about four minutes to play to give ETSU a 68-60 lead. The Cougars responded with five quick points, though.

Donavan Monroe and Andrew Goudelock scored back-to-back baskets for Charleston. Goudelock was fouled and converted the three-pont play.

All of a sudden a comfortable eight-point lead was down to three. Only 3:19 remained in the contest at that point.

The Bucs had several chances to build the lead back up, but failed to convert their free throws. They missed three straight after the lead was cut.

Ward and senior Jacolby Davis both made a pair of free throws to help regain a six-point cushion with 1:53 remaining.

The College of Charleston would not go away, however. Casaan Breeden drained a huge three-pointer with less than a minute to slice the lead back to one possession at 74-71. That would be the last points for the Cougars.