Coker Falls To Carson-Newman

HARTSVILLE, SC. - Max Hurray poured in a team high 22 points as Coker fell to Carson-Newman Saturday night. The Cobras battled back from down 11, but the Eagles slammed the door late to pick up a SAC win.

TOP PERFORMERS:
Max Hurray - 22pts, 2reb

Sebastian Cole - 16pts, 2reb, 2ast

Judson Coan - 16pts, 3reb

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Carson-Newman shot the lights out early from behind the arc, draining nine threes to jump out to an early 28-24 lead through the first 10 minutes. The Eagles did not make a two point attempt until the six minute mark in the first half, as all of their points came from three point land or the free throw line. Coker continued to hang around in the first half, draining multiple threes themselves. Sebastian Cole helped lead Coker in the first frame pouring in 14 points, while Max Hurray added 11 of his own, 3 of which were from behind the line. The Cobras forced the Eagles into 11 first half turnovers, registering 7 steals to help keep the game in striking distance. Coker trailed the entire first half until Sebastian Cole drained two free throws to tie the game at 48 with 2 minutes remaining. From there, Carson-Newman retook the lead and held it into the break at 54-51. 

In the second half, Carson-Newman extended their lead to six at the first media timeout. John Zhao had an impressive night pouring in 29 points, with seven three pointers. He led the way for Carson-Newman throughout, and helped grow their lead to the largest of the night at 11 with 10 minutes remaining. Coker continued to fight going on a 9-3 run late in the second half cutting the Eagles lead down to 2 at 97-95 with a little over a minute remaining. After a Judson Coan layup, and defesnive stop, Coker had the ball down by two with 22 seconds remaining. The Cobras drove to the basket, and it was Braden Ilic saving the day for the Eagles, as he blocked Coker to seal the win for Carson-Newman. 

Coker shot 44.2% from the field on the night, while shooting 37.5% from behind the arc. The Eagles drained 19 three pointers at a 65.5% to ultimately take down Coker. The Cobras forced the Eagles into 16 turnovers, and registered 21 fast break points. All 10 of the Cobra players scored on the night, and Hurray led the way with 22. This was Coker's first loss at home on the season. 

UP NEXT:
Coker will return to the hardwood Saturday when they travel to #9 Lincoln Memorial.