HARTSVILLE, S.C. -- The Coker College men's basketball team pulled out a thrilling 83-79 victory over Limestone on Thursday (Nov. 29), avenging a loss to the Saints earlier in the season.
Khalil Halls led the way offensively for the Cobras with 22 points, four rebounds, and three steals, and Roy Ellis notched a career-high 15 points off the bench to propel the Cobras to victory. Jaylan Robertson added 15 points, and Larry Cooper chipped in eight points and six rebounds.
The Saints jumped out to an early 8-4 lead thanks to a pair of three-pointers, but Coker was able to respond with a layup and a three-pointer from the sophomore, Ellis. The Cobras eventually extended their lead to 24-17 after four made free throws, and then a three-pointer from Robertson.
Limestone used a 12-4 run to take the lead, but consecutive layups by Halls, and Abdulsalam Sarki helped the Cobras regain a 32-29 advantage. The Saints then clung to a 38-36 lead with seconds remaining in the first half before Halls stole the ball and drove the length of the court for a dunk to tie the game as the first half clock expired.
Coker fell behind early in the second half, as the Saints built a commanding 58-48 lead with 12:47 to play after another Kenny Hairston three-pointer. Marquis Green responded with a clutch three-pointer off the bench and made a layup to stop Limestone's run. The Cobras outscored the Saints 32-17 in bench points in the game.
However, the Saints were able to stretch their lead back to nine with 6:21 left in the game before a massive dunk from Larry Cooper and a three-pointer from Ellis cut the lead to just 71-67. Halls made a big three-pointer, and then another layup with 3:39 to play to tie the game at 74-74.
The two teams traded baskets over the next few minutes until junior Kon Anguik knocked down four free throws in the final 30 seconds to seal the victory for the Cobras. Coker outshot Limestone from the free throw line 89% (17-19) to 68% (17-25) on the evening, and also dominated inside, outscoring Limestone 46-24 in the paint.
The Cobras will be back in action on Saturday (Dec. 1) when they travel to Harrogate, Tenn. to face Lincoln Memorial. Tipoff is set for 4:00 pm.
McDonald's Player of the Game: Khalil Halls
