BANNER ELK, NC – The Lees-McRae Bobcats basketball team cracked the win column Saturday afternoon, ending a five game losing skid to start the season, defeating Coker College 72-67 in Conference Carolinas action at Williams Gymnasium.  The Bobcats improve to 1-5 (1-2 Conference Carolinas) while the Cobras fall to 2-4, (1-2). 

The Cobras jumped out to the early lead, starting the game with an 8-2 run.  The Bobcats would cut the lead in half only to see the Cobras reestablish the six point cushion with a Josh Poston (Myrtle Beach, SC) three pointer.  A field goal from Jesse Hoots (Yadkinville, NC) and a three from Aaron Woodacre (Piney Flats, TN) drew the Bobcats to within one with 12:35 to play in the first half.  A 6-1 run by the Bobcats gave the home side their first lead of the contest with 10:30 to play, a lead they would maintain through to halftime.  The Bobcats would lead by as much as five, however the Cobras would battle back, tying the score twice, however the Bobcats would respond each time to regain the lead and go to recess up by one 33-32.

After giving up the first basket of the second half, the Bobcats scored the game’s next nine points to take a 42-35 lead.  Defensively the Bobcats would tighten things up, allowing the offence to extend their lead to as much as 13.  Not willing to pack it in just yet, the Cobras regrouped to go on a 12-0 run to pull to within one once again.  Hungry for their first win, the Bobcats calmly regained a comfortable cushion as Sam Darity (Hendersonville, NC) scored back to back field goals, the second a three point play after drawing a foul on the play, to put the home side up 66-60 as the Bobcats hung on for the win.

“It is great to get our first win over a very good Coker team,” stated Head Coach Scott Polsgrove.  “I am proud of our effort tonight.  Each player who stepped on the floor made an important contribution to the win.”

Freshman Raysean Hairston (Elizabethtown, NC) led the Bobcats with a game high 15 points while junior Modestas Riauka (Kaunas, Lithuania) added 14 and Hoots contributed 11. 

The Cobras were led by JC Hafner (Jefferson, MD) who shared the game high with 15 points.  Lukas Varga (Pawleys Island, SC) chipped in 13 for the Cobras while Mason Ambler (Atlanta, GA) and Michael Gore (Landis, SC) each added 11. 

Up next, the Bobcats will hit the road for a non-conference match up against Brevard College Tuesday evening.  Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30pm.