HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker University women's basketball team fell to Lincoln Memorial in its 2020-21 season opener Tuesday night (Nov. 24) by a score of 68-55.

Lincoln Memorial led just 7-6 halfway through the first quarter, before out-scoring the Cobras 5-1 in the final five minutes of the opening frame for a 12-7 lead. 

The Cobras got within one in the first two minutes of the second quarter, before LMU opened its lead back up to seven over the halfway point of the period. The Railsplitters extended their lead into double digits with three minutes to play in the first half, before the Cobras would get back within five with a minute and a half to play in the second. LMU would take a 26-21 lead to the half.

The Cobras would tie the game at 28 in the first two and a half minutes of the third quarter, before LMU would take control of the contest for the remainder of the period. Over the next few minutes, the Railsplitters would extend their lead into double digits again before taking a 46-38 lead to the fourth.

LMU would keep Coker at a distance of at least eight points through the first part of the fourth, before a clutch Raya Coley three-pointer got the Cobras back within five with four minutes to play. The Railspltters then extended their lead into double digits in the last few minutes of the game to take the victory.

Saquita Joyner led the Cobras with a game-high 16 points, while also completing a double-double with 12 rebounds. Coley added 12 points, while Emily Davis also chipped in 10. Four other Cobras scored in the contest. Ashauntee Nelson also pulled down a career-high 11 rebounds in the game, while five other Cobras were active on the glass. As a team, Coker out-rebounded Lincoln Memorial 39-33. Abigail Keesling led the Cobras in the assist column with four, while Ahlea Myers (two), Davis and Nelson each dished out helpers in the game. Davis and Nelson each tied career-highs with four steals apiece, while four other Cobras each had one swipe in the game. Davis also tied her career-high recording Coker's two blocks in the game.

The Cobras are back in action on Saturday (Nov. 28) when they travel to UVA Wise for a South Atlantic Conference matinee. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m., with video and live stats available at www.cokercobras.com.

Coker University will continue to assess the NCAA, federal, state and local developments and provide updated revisions as additional information is available.

 McDonald's Player of the Game - Saquita Joyner