Posted: Nov 18, 2017
HARTSVILLE, SC – The Coker College men's basketball team improved their record to 2-2 on the season, with an 87-76 victory over the Limestone College Saints. Limestone entered the game 3-0, and was selected as the Conference Carolinas preseason favorite to win their conference.
Coker jumped out to an early 11-10 advantage, and then used a 21-1 run to extend the lead to 32-11 with 7:51 to play. The two teams would play even the rest of the half and go to halftime with the Cobras leading 47-26.
Demarco Jackson and Donte Samuels provided the offensive spark in the first half for Coker, with Jackson scoring 13 points and Samuels adding 10 points and six rebounds. Jackson hit all five of his shots, including two three-pointers while Samuels connected on four of six of his shots.
The Coker defense held the Saints to just 31.4% shooting in the half, including a 0-10 mark from behind the three-point line.
The Cobras started off the second half just like they did the first, with a 25-15 run to extend their lead to 31 points at 72-41. Jackson led the way again, scoring 10 points in the first eight minutes. Jackson would eventually record a career-high 26 points to go along with five rebounds and three steals.
Limestone didn't go away quietly. The Saints used a 26-5 run of their own over the next nine minutes to cut a 31-point lead down to just seven with 3:39 to play.
Jake Barrett responded with two quick baskets to stretch the lead back to 11 and effectively put an end to the Saints' comeback attempt.
In total, four Cobras finished the game in double figures, including Samuels who secured a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman, Khalil Halls continued his strong start to the season, scoring 16 points and adding three steals.
The Cobras will be back in action on Nov. 21 at 7:30 pm when they travel to Belmont Abbey to take on the Crusaders.
McDonald's Player of the Game - Demarco Jackson
