Tusculum Jumps Out To Hot Start, Takes Down Coker

TUSCULUM, TN. - Coker's comeback from down 32 fell short Saturday afternoon. The Pioneers jumped out to an early 21-0 lead, and shot 59 percent from the field, as Coker dropped its fourth straight SAC contest. Coker battled back and cut the game to nine, but the Pioneers fended the Cobras off to win 106-91.

BY THE NUMBERS:

Final: Tusculum 106, Coker 91

Records: Coker 11-5 (7-5) | Tusculum 4-13 (4-9)

Location: Tusculum, Tn. | Pioneer Arena

TOP PERFORMERS:
Ian Blue - 17pts (5 3pm), 4reb

Jamie Muldowney - 20pts, 4reb

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Tusculum jumped out to a scorching hot start Saturday evening draining seven of their first ten shot attempts, five of which were three pointers, to take a commanding 21-0 lead. 

Jamie Muldowney finally broke the Cobras drought by knocking down a three pointer, followed by an Xavier Harris floater to settle Coker in. The Pioneers continued their scoring, taking a 32-7 lead into the under 12 minute media timeout. 

After a slow start from behind the line, Ian Blue knocked down a three pointer to end a 9-0 Pioneer run. Tusculum then used stout defense, forcing Coker into multiple turnovers to extend their lead to as many as 32 in the first half. 

Ian Blue was pivital for Coker in the first half, scoring nine consecutive points for the Cobras on 3 for 3 shooting from behind the line. Blue led Coker with 15 first half points, draining 5 three pointers. 

At the break Tusculum led 56-36, pouring in eight first half threes, while shooting 61.8 percent from the field. Coker drained seven first half threes, shooting 34.4% from the field. The pioneers forced Coker into 13 first half turnovers, with Coker creating 9.

Out of the break, the two teams traded baskets to start the half. Tusculum held the lead around 20 points for a majority of the first eight minutes. The Cobras would not go away quitely though.

Glenn Bynum Jr. drilled a three pointer at the 12 minute mark, and Coker started to make a push. After an Xavier Harris layup, a Bynum Jr. four point play, and Max Hurray three, Coker had cut the lead to 11. Hurray then netted two free throws, and the lead was single digits. 

Tusculum did not let it get any closer than nine however, as they responded with back to back layups, and two free throws to take a firm grasp on the game. The Cobras continued to show signs of life, but it was Tusculum ultimately holding on and taking down Coker 106-91. 

UP NEXT:
Coker continues its road swing as they travel to Newberry Wednesday night. This will be the first meeting between the two this season with a tipoff set for 7:30p.m. in Eleazer Arena. 

#GoCobras