HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Sophomore guard Julian Nelson (Irmo, S.C.) scored game high 19 points leading the Coker Cobras to a 73-64 come from behind victory over Virginia University of Lynchburg on Monday night in the men's basketball team's home opener. 

The Cobras trailed by as many as 11 points in the first half, but they held the Dragon shooters in check during the second half to improve to 4-2 on the season.

Lynchburg took advantage of some sharp shooting in the first half, hitting 50 percent from the field and 82.4 percent from the free throw line, giving them a 40-32 lead at the break.

Coker came out firing in the second half and quickly evened the game at 42 in the opening seven minutes of play. The Dragons were not ready to give up yet and continued to keep the score close until a Nelson 3-pointer with 4:14 left put the Cobras on top for good. Clutch free throw shooting by Austin Harper (Chesnee, S.C.), Jonathon Gardner (Florence, S.C.) and Sharod Williams (Miami, Fla.) down the stretch gave Coker the extra insurance needed to take home the 73-64 win.

In addition to Nelson's 19 point outpouring, he also grabbed eight rebounds, while Andrew Morris (Melbourne, Australia) added 15 points. Harper chipped in 10 points with six rebounds as the third Coker player in double figures.

Delonte Doles was Lynchburg's leading scorer with 17 points, while Rondell Dews had 13 points for the Dragons.

The Cobras  break for Thanksgiving and return to the court on Tuesday, Nov. 29 to face Coastal Georgia at home at 7 p.m.

McDonlad's Player of the Game- Julian Nelson

Nelson scored a game high 19 points with eight rebounds

The McDonald's Player of the Game is presented by the Hartsville McDonald's and is given to the most outstanding performer during each Coker College home athletic event.