Cobras Bounce Abbey In 72-71 Thriller

Hartsville, SC – Coker College is quickly proving they know how to win the close ones.  The Cobras won their third of four consecutive nail-biters with a 72-71 decision Monday evening over visiting Belmont Abbey.  This time the Cobras used a free throw by freshman Sarah Dorsch with no time remaining on the clock avoid overtime and seal the victory.  Coker improves to 6-7 on the year and 4-3 in the CVAC while the Crusaders drop to 7-6, and 3-3 in conference.

A disastrous final three minutes of the first half nearly put the game out of reach for Coker.  After taking an early lead CC fell into a funk as the period neared its close. The Cobras trailed 34-32 with 3:03 remaining when The Abbey seized momentum and went on a 10-2 run to close out the half. BAC took a 44-34 lead into the break and seemed to be in control.

Coker regrouped in the locker room and steadily inched back into the contest over the first 11 minutes of the second period. Trailing 56-47 with 12:32 to play the Cobras made their move and over the next six and a half minutes outscored Belmont Abbey 12-2 to take a 59-58 lead.

Coker continued to push on and led by six with two minutes to play before things began to get hairy again. BAC closed to within two at 71-69 with 23 seconds to play. On the following inbounds play the Crusaders forced a crucial turnover, and tied the game at 71-71 on a pair of Latoya Ramsey free throws with nine seconds to play.

Coker called a time out and on their final possession gave the ball to Dorsch, who raced up the floor for a desperation three pointer. As the ball left her hand she was fouled by Yvette Battle and sent to the line for three shots. The freshman from Cincinnati missed the first but drained the second to give the Cobras the one point victory.

Dorsch’s late game heroics saved the day for CC but it was junior Shamae Hemingway who helped put Coker in position to win it. Hemingway recorded her fourth consecutive double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds picked up some key buckets along the way.

Junior Selena Davis came off the bench to finish with 16 points and eight rebounds, and classmate Leanne Chandler just missed a double-double of her own, with 12 points and nine boards.  Freshman Justina Dakins also reached double figures with 11 points.

The Crusaders featured three double-digit scorers, led by Nola Grant and Heather Schleupner.  Grant scored 14 points and Schleupner added another 14 points and eight rebounds.  Valorie Bennett recorded 10 points before fouling out.

The Cobras will now face a highly skilled Longwood University team this Saturday, January 25, at 2:00 PM.