HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker Cobras lost a heartbreaker to the Mars Hill Lions on Saturday (Dec. 13) afternoon, 76-73 in South Atlantic Conference men's basketball action.
Jordan Scott and Jalen Watson led the Cobra offense with 17 points each off the bench, while Trey James was a force on both ends of the court with nine points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Watson added seven boards as well, and Aubrey Daniel chipped in eight points and eight rebounds.
The Cobras got off to a slow starter, falling behind 15-5 in the opening seven minutes of action. They bounced back with a 27-6 run to take a 32-21 lead with 6:21 left in the first half. The Lions proceeded to put together a small run of their own to cut the lead to just four, 34-30, with two minutes left in the opening stanza. Coker answered with four points to close out the half holding a 38-31 lead.
In the second half, the Cobras continued the momentum they built in the first half and held as much as a 13-point lead, 57-44 with 8:59 left in the game. However, the Lions would not go quietly into the night. They battled back and with the help of six three-pointers and some clutch free throw shooting they took a 74-73 lead with a minute left to play. The Cobras were unable to capitalize on chances down the stretch and Mars Hill held on for the 76-73 victory.
The Cobras will return to action on Sunday, Dec. 21 when they travel to Columbia, S.C. to take on the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in an exhibition game. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at Colonial Life Arena. Tickets for the game are available at www.gamecocksonline.com and the game will be broadcast online through the SEC Network Plus.
McDonald's Player of the Game – Trey James
