HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker College men's basketball team dropped a South Atlantic Conference matchup 75-67 to the visiting No. 17 nationally ranked Queens University of Charlotte Royals on Wednesday (Dec. 9).

The Cobras struggled offensively in the first half, shooting 24 percent and posting 21 points. After the first 20 minutes, the Royals found themselves ahead 35-21. 

The second half would be a different story, with the Cobras chipping away at the Royals lead. A Nathan Lemke made layup with just under 11 minutes left in the second half tied the game up at 47-all and a made three-point basket by Jalal Abdul-Azeez gave the Navy and Gold its first lead since the 17:20 minute mark in the first half. After the two teams traded buckets, the Royals stormed back on a 7-0 run to take a 62-55 lead with six minutes left. A pair of Howard Davenport free throws tied the game up at 64-all and completed a Coker 7-2 run. However, Queens finished the game on an 11-3 run to take the win 75-67.

Jake Barrett led the way for the Cobras with 18 points. Trey Marshall chipped in with 14 points and four steals, while Abdul-Azeez poured in 10 points off the bench.

The Cobras will be back in action on Saturday (Dec. 12) when they take on the visiting Brevard College Tornados in a SAC doubleheader. 

McDonald's Player of the Game – Jake Barrett