HARTSVILLE, S.C. - Coker University's Hope Richardson pulled down her 500th career rebound in a double-double effort, but it wasn't enough as Coker fell in overtime to Newberry Wednesday night (Feb. 23) by a score of 69-63.
The teams played to a 19-19 deadlock after one quarter, before Newberry out-scored Coker 14-8 in the second quarter to take a six-point lead to the half.
Coker battled back from an early double-digit deficit in the third quarter, tying things up at 44 with under three minutes to play in the period. The teams traded buckets in the final minutes of the quarter, as Coker took a 48-47 lead to the fourth quarter.
Coker jumped out to a six-point lead through three and a half minutes of the fourth quarter, before the teams traded baskets all the way until the final horn in regulation, going to overtime tied at 60.
Newberry would win the overtime period to bring the game to its final score.
Three Cobras scored in double figures in the game, led by Saquita Joyner with 18 points. Richardson also registered 13 points in the game, while Ashauntee Nelson added 12. Six other Cobras contributed points in the game. Richardson completed the double-double with a game and career-high 19 rebounds, while six others were active on the glass for Coker. Abigail Keesling dished out a team-high five assists in the game, while Mariah Mitchem also recorded four assists in the game. Dasia Lambert also registered two assists in the game, while Raya Coley also added one. Nelson and Mitchem each secured two steals in the game, while Joyner and Keesling each had one. Richardson, Nelson and Mitchem each posted one block in the game.
The Cobras return to action on Saturday (Feb. 26) to face Carson-Newman for Senior Day. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. from the DeLoach Center, with Senior Day festivities taking place prior to tip-off. Video and live stats will also be available at www.cokercobras.com.
McDonald's Player of the Game - Hope Richardson