Cobra Men Lose Season Opener

FLORENCE, SC – Coker College was outlasted by Francis Marion University Monday Night in its 2003 season opener.  The Cobras showed signs of life with aggressive hard nosed play but never led and lost 75-66 in men’s collegiate basketball.  Coker falls to 0-1 on the season while the Patriots improve to 2-0.

Francis Marion jumped out to a 20 point lead midway through the first half and never looked back in holding off the Cobras.  Coker played extremely well in spurts, but couldn’t find any sort of rhythm in the first few minutes of each half. 

Costly turnovers marred the Cobra comeback attempt as they were only able to close the Patriot lead to seven with 3:25 seconds remaining in the game.  Overall, CC shot 43 percent from the field while the Patriots shot 46 percent.  Coker out-rebounded Francis Marion 33-32 in the game but lost the turnover battle 20-13.    

After trailing 47-38 at the break, the Cobras regained their composure and were able keep even with the much favored Patriots.  Coker trailed by as many as 20, (63-43) with 14:24 remaining, but were able to find a much needed 33 point spark off the bench.  This enabled the Cobras to get back in the game and make it a respectable contest.  Coker and Francis Marion matched each other with 28 second half points apiece.    

Freshmen Deon Briscoe led the way for CC with 13 points, shooting 3-7 from three-point range.  Junior Michael Pierce chipped in 11 points and six rebounds off the bench, scoring seven consecutive points during the Cobras 10-0 second half run where they cut the Patriot lead to eight.

Junior Jay Farrow was impressive in his Coker debut with nine points, six rebounds, and four assists.  Senior Andre Blackwell provided solid leadership for the Cobras down the stretch, contributing seven points, five rebounds, and four assists.  Louis McCullough and Jaquan Bracey paced the Patriots with 18 points apiece. 

Coker is back in action Thursday, November 20^th, when they host Morris College.  The home opener is scheduled to tip-off at 7:00 PM.