HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker College men's basketball team dropped a 58-55 South Atlantic Conference matchup to the visiting Wingate University Bulldogs on Wednesday evening (Feb. 17).

After exchanging 5-0 and 6-0 runs during the first four minutes, both teams slowed drastically on the offensive end, with the score being just 24-22 in favor of Wingate with three minutes left in the half. However, Wingate surged ahead with a late 11-4 run to close out the half, taking a 35-26 lead going into the locker rooms.

The Bulldogs held on to their nine-point lead for the opening three minutes of the second half until the Cobras went on an offensive run of their own, rattling off an 8-0 run over the next two minutes to make the score 40-39 in favor of Wingate with 14:58 left. After exchanging buckets, Wingate went on a 7-0 run, all of which came from the free throw line, to reclaim an eight-point advantage. The Cobras worked their way back into game, with three Donte Samuels made free throws and a lay in by Jalen Watson cutting the deficit to just three (52-49) with 6:13 to go. After back-to-back threes by Isiah Cureton, the Wingate lead was back to eight. However, a Jalal Abdul-Azeez made basket from downtown with 1:18 left capped off a brief 5-0 Coker response. However, a pair of empty offensive possessions for the Cobras secured Wingate's three-point win, 58-55.

Samuels led the way with 12 points and eight rebounds. Aubrey Daniel finished with 10 points and four rebounds. Trey Marshall and Watson chipped in eight points apiece, Marshall dishing out four assists and swiping three steals, while Watson snatched nine boards.

Coker will travel to Mars Hill on Saturday for a SAC matchup with the Lions. Opening tip is set for 4 p.m.

McDonald's Player of the Game – Jalen Watson