Coker Comes Up Short Against UNCP 78-72

PEMBROKE, N.C. – Eren Moses and Teon Beckett put up a double-double each to lead the Cobras in their 78-72 loss to UNC Pembroke on Sunday (Dec. 22) in men's basketball action. The Cobras close out the 2013 portion of their schedule with a 5-4 overall record.

In a very evenly matched contest, the Cobras and the Braves had six ties and 11 lead changes over the 40 minutes of action. The difference in the game came at the foul line, as UNCP converted 23 of 29 free throws, while Coker connected on two of three attempts from the charity stripe.

After a balanced first half the Cobras and the Braves were deadlocked at 33 heading to halftime. In the second half the Braves slowing gained as much as an 11 point lead with just over seven minutes left in the game, but the Cobras were not about to roll over and give up. They continued to battle and thanks to back-to-back 3-pointers by Beckett and Moses, trimmed the lead to just five, 77-72, with 11 seconds remaining. Unfortunately for Coker, the Braves knocked down a pair of free throws in the final seconds to put the game out of reach, 78-72.

Moses led the Cobras with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Beckett netted 13 points and pulled down 12 boards. Julian Nelson also scored 17 points and Trey Marshall contributed 10 points to the Cobra offense.

The Cobras will return to the hardwood after the first of the year for a South Atlantic Conference game at home against Brevard College on Saturday, Jan. 4. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.