Royals Top Cobras 66-61

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Julian Nelson knocked down a game high 23 points for the Cobras in their 66-61 loss to the Queens University of Charlotte Royals in Conference Carolinas men's basketball action Wednesday (Jan. 16) night. The loss drops the Coker men to 4-4 in league play.

The Cobras were on fire to start the game, leading 17-2 after the opening five minutes of play. Unfortunately, the Royals found the fire extinguisher and over the next 10 minutes evened the score at 19 with four minutes remaining in the half. Both teams exchanged baskets in the final minutes of the first half, with Queens taking a 30-27 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Coker stayed within striking distance the entire second half, but the Cobras were never able to regain the lead. A layup by Eren Moses brought the Cobras within three, 64-61, and made it a one-possession game with 15 seconds left on the clock. Forced to foul, Coker sent the Royals to the line in closing seconds where Antonio Stabler put the game away by knocking down both free throws.

As a team the Cobras collected 36 rebounds, compared to just 28 for the Royals, and they shot 44 percent from the field.

In addition to Nelson's 23 points, Moses finished with nine points, six boards, three steals and two assists. Austin Harper also had nine points and five rebounds.

The Cobras will be back at home for their next game on Saturday (Jan. 19). They will host the Bobcats of Lees-McRae in a Conference Carolinas game at 4 p.m. following the women's game at 2 p.m.