HARTSVILLE, S.C.- With the anticipation of the season right around the corner the Coker Cobras Men's Basketball program prepares for a full slate of competition for the 2017-18 season.
Bolstered by two exhibition games versus Division I programs to kick off the campaign, Coker will travel to The Citadel and battle with the Bulldogs on Friday, Nov. 3. On the following Monday, Nov. 6, the Cobras take the court against the Georgia State Panthers.
"We are very excited about our schedule for this season," Coker head coach Aric Samuel stated. "Our schedule for 2017-18 is highlighted with two Division I matchups against The Citadel and Georgia State."
Ensuing the two exhibition games, Coker will then move on to compete in the South Atlantic Conference / Conference Carolinas Challenge Nov. 10-11.
The regular-season begins for the Cobras as they will host their first two home games on Nov. 14 and 18. The Lions of Emmanuel, Georgia come to visit an exuberant atmosphere, Nov. 14th at 7pm in the Harris E. & Louise H. DeLoach Center in the first home contest. Last year the Lions finished 20-12 overall, while finishing in third place in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship Finals.
On the following Saturday, Nov. 18, Coker sets the stage taking on Limestone College at 4pm. In the 2016-17 season, the Saints collected a 27-6 overall record and finished 17-3 in the conference. Additionally, Limestone was a perfect 14-0 on their home court while downing Coker twice, 76-75 and 88-77.
The Coker men will take the floor in 25 regular-season games and square off with South Atlantic Conference opponents in 20. Five non-conference contests will take place throughout the season; Emmanuel (Ga.) (Nov. 14), Limestone (Nov. 18), Belmont Abbey (Nov. 21), Emmanuel (Ga.) (Nov. 27) and Southern Wesleyan (Dec. 2).
Last season the Cobras finished 8-20 overall and 5-17 in the SAC. Conference play begins Nov. 29 when Lenoir-Rhyne comes to town.
Four seniors will return the court in 2017-18; Jake Barrett, Roman Hall, Donte Samuels and Nathan Lemke.
"We look forward to our players' growth and development as they move through the non-conference and into the competitive South Atlantic Conference," said Samuel.
Fans will be able to watch all Coker home games live online by visiting www.cokercobras.com.