HARTSVILLE, SC – Coker battled Mt. Olive tooth and nail Thursday night but came up a bit short in a 75-64 loss in men’s collegiate basketball.  The Cobras drop to 5-7 overall and 3-2 in the CVAC and MOC moves into a tie for first in the conference with a 10-2, 4-1 mark. 

Coker played a fantastic first half against the high-scoring Trojans and trailed 40-36 at the break.  CC cut it to one with 1:45 left in the half on a layup by senior Blake Hall/Monck’s Corner, SC but a foul with no time on the clock gave the visitors a four point edge.

The Cobras stayed within striking distance throughout the second half as well but could never take the lead back.  The Trojans finally earned some breathing room with 5:15 to play on a put back by Elijah Rouse.

Rouse proved to be a thorn in CC’s side as he continually fought for rebounds inside.  The Kinston, NC native finished the game with 14 points and 10 rebounds, including five on the offensive end.

Hartsville’s Johnny Jackson led Coker with 14 points, including four three-pointers.  Hall contributed 11 points and four rebounds, and senior Michael Pierce/Whiteville, NC added six points and eight assists.

Maurice Horton scored a game-high 16 points and Elton Coffield added 14 points and five rebounds.  Victor Young had 11 points and four steals.

Coker outshot Mt. Olive 48 percent to 46 percent, however CC turned the ball over 19 times and was out-rebounded 38-26. 

The Cobras have the weekend off and will next host St. Andrews on Monday, January 17.  The game, played on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, will be played in the afternoon at 4:00 PM.