Men's Basketball Come Up Short In Late Rally

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Catawba fell behind by double digits and had a late rally fall short in an 80-77 loss to visiting Coker on Wednesday night at Goodman Gym. The Cobras improve to 6-5 overall and 1-2 in the SAC. The Catawba Indians go to 6-4 and 2-1.

Catawba found itself down 71-56 with five minutes remaining when a pair of three-pointers and a three-point play by Dre Nelson pulled the Indians within 73-67 with just over two minutes left. A pair of free throws by Robinson had Catawba within four with 1:50 to go.

Coker looked to have all but salted the game away on a free throw by Marvin Brumfield with 17 seconds left that gave the Cobras a 79-73 edge. It was still a six-point game with under 10 seconds to go when two steals led to two baskets for Catawba that made with 79-77 with a second remaining. Jordan Jones hit a free throws with .7 on the clock and missed the second intentionally and the Indians couldn't get off a desperation attempt before the buzzer.

Adrian Scarborough posted 18 points for Catawba and added seven rebounds. DeAngelo Epps followed with 15 and Javeon Jones had 13. Jones would add 10 assists and six rebounds. Kris Robinson rounded out the double-figure scorers with a dozen.  

Brumfield led all scorers with 22 points for Coker. Jordan Jones followed with 14 points and eight rebounds. Coker shot 61% in the opening half and finished at 55% for the game.

Catawba held a commanding 41-24 edge on the glass, but suffered through 22 turnovers. The Cobras out-scored Catawba 28-18 off turnovers.

Catawba is at home one more time before the holiday break, hosting Wingate on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.