Turnovers Doom Cobras

Hartsville, SC – Coker College struggled all afternoon against the press employed by Queens University of Charlotte in a 102-61 defeat in men’s collegiate basketball. 

The Cobras turned the ball over 28 times against the aggressive defense, resulting in too many easy buckets for the eighth ranked team in the nation.  Coker drops to 5-17 and 3-14 in the CVAC, while the Royals improve to 22-2, 15-2 in the conference.

The Cobras made Queens work early, and only trailed by five after the first 10 minutes of the opening half.  But the Royals finally cracked the home team and raced to a 48-28 lead at the break. 

With their chances of a comeback looking bleak, Coker needed a quick start in the second period to get back within striking distance.  They didn’t get the push they needed and Queens eventually made another explosive run to send the fans home early.

Sophomore Terry Whitaker turned in one of his better performances of the season with 12 points, eight boards and four blocks.  Senior Derrall Beason and freshman Jason Fullwood each scored 10.

The Cobras did a good job of guarding Spencer Ross, the conference’s second leading scorer, for almost 30 minutes.  But Ross kept shooting and eventually warmed up to match his season average of 24 points per game. 

Carlos Andrade was the difference in the first half, scoring all 17 of his points in the opening period.  Chris Benson contributed 19 points, Zach English added 12, and Kendrick Harris recorded 10 points and 15 rebounds for the Royals.

Coker next travels to Longwood University this Tuesday, February 25, for a 7:30 start.