HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Julian Nelson scored a season high 31 points, hitting six of nine from 3-point range to lead the Coker Cobras to a 91-78 win over the Tusculum Pioneers on Saturday (Jan. 25) in South Atlantic Conference men's basketball action. The win moves the Cobras to 9-7 on the year and 6-6 in SAC play.
In addition to Nelson's 31 points, Errick Bethel scored 22 points and hit six of 10 from long range. Trey Marshall added 17 points, nine of which came from beyond the arc and Teon Beckett had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
As a team the Cobras tied a single game record for made 3-pointers, hitting 16 of 29 from long range for 55.2 percent. They shot 44.4 percent from the field, out rebounded the Pioneers 36-34, converted 12 turnovers into 11 points and they scored 41 points off the bench.
The game started very slow as both teams were unable to record a basket until four minutes into the game. Tusculum took the early lead 5-1, but then the 3-point barrage by the Cobras began. They went on a 20-9 run to take a 21-14 lead. The 3-point onslaught continued into halftime with Coker knocking down 10 from beyond the arc, taking a 47-35 lead at the break.
Coker continued to dominate in the second half, but Tusculum battled back cutting the Cobra lead to just three points, 67-64 with nine minutes remaining in the game. The Cobras answered with a 15-5 run over the next five minutes, putting the game out of Tusculum's reach. Coker closed out the game with an 11-9 run to take home the 91-78 win.
The Cobras will be back in action on Wednesday (Jan. 29) at Wingate University. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. following the women's game at 6 p.m.
McDonald's Player of the Game- Julian Nelson
