Hartsville, S.C. – Coker lost their second straight game to a top Conference Carolinas opponent on Saturday, as they fell 73-69 to the third place Belmont Abbey Crusaders. The loss drops Coker to 9-11 overall, and 5-8 in the conference, while Belmont Abbey improves to 13-7 overall, and 10-4 in the conference.

IT was a back and forth battle from the very start, as there were 11 ties and eight lead changes in the 40 minutes of play. The game was knotted up at 28 apiece at the half, but a four unanswered points in the final minute of play sealed a Crusader win.

Josh Poston (Myrtle Beach, SC) and Mason Ambler (Atlanta, GA) were the scoring leaders for the Cobras, with Poston netting 14 points and Ambler dropping in 12 with seven rebounds.

For the Crusaders, Jonathan Jackson had 15 points, while Kyle Phillips came off the bench for 14 points and five rebounds. Richard Barbee and Chad Patus also scored in double figures with 12 and 10 points respectively and Barbee grabbed seven rebounds.

The Cobras will tip-off again on Monday, as they travel to St. Andrews Presbyterian College for a 7:30 p.m. game.