King Sneaks Past Coker, 73-72

BRISTOL, TENN. - A last second jump shot fell short, as the Coker men's basketball team suffered a heartbreaking 73-72 loss to King University on Saturday (Feb. 23) in Conference Carolinas action.  The loss drops the Cobras to 12-12 overall and 9-9 in league play.

The Cobras got the game started right, posting a 10-3 run in the opening four minutes of play. The Tornado quickly bounced back and tied the game at 16 with 11:30 left in the half. Both teams exchanged baskets during the remainder of the half, heading to the locker room with the score tied 32-32.

The second half was a tight as the first, with neither team gaining more than a seven point advantage. As the seconds ticked off the clock, the Cobras found themselves leading by three, 71-68, with 1:16 left thanks to a pair of Sharod Williams free throws. Unfortunately for Coker, King's Logan Kyle nailed a 3-pointer with just under a minute remaining to even the score.

The score remained deadlocked at 71 until Eren Moses hit a free throw with 17 seconds left, giving the Cobras a one point advantage, 72-71. Forced to foul in order to get the ball back, the Cobras sent Eddie Piccinini to the line with just two seconds left on the clock. He knocked down both of his free throws, giving the Tornado a one point advantage. After a quick timeout, the Cobras had one shot left, but they were unable to capitalize, suffering a 73-72 loss.

Williams earned his sixth double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Julian Nelson posted a team-high 17 points. Moses finished the night with 11 points and four rebounds.

Coker will be back on the floor on Tuesday (Feb. 26) at home against Queens University of Charlotte. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.