Saints Down Cobras 75-69

Courtesy of Leah Goode, Limestone SID

GAFFNEY, S.C.- Despite trailing by six points at halftime, the Limestone College men's basketball defeated Coker College 75-69 on Tuesday night at the Timken Center. Four of the Saints scored in double figures for the win.

Limestone's record improves to 5-12 overall and 4-7 in Conference Carolinas play, while the Cobras slip to 8-9 overall (4-6 league).

The Saints' Michael Barrett (Virginia Beach, Va.) scored a season-high 24 points. Anthony Middleton (Holly Hill, S.C.) scored 14 points and posted 5 boards, while Stewart Clark (Atlanta, Ga.) and Bobby Grier (Powder Springs, Ga.) scored 13 and 10 points, respectively. Clark led his team with four assists.

Coker's Mason Ambler (Atlanta, Ga.) just missed a double-double with 14 rebounds and 9 points. Josh Poston (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) and Vatrick Thompson (West Columbia, S.C.) each scored 14 points, as Stevie Evans (West Columbia, S.C.) chipped in 13.

Even though Coker led for the entire first half, the Saints never let the visitors gain more than an eight point lead. The Cobras led 28-22 heading into the locker room at halftime. Limestone shot 32% from the field (8-25) as Coker was 12 for 28 (42.9%).

The second half saw seven lead changes and three ties. Limestone's offense made 14 of its 25 basket attempts for a field-goal percentage of 70.8%, while the Cobras only shot 43.3% (13-30). The Saints took the lead for good with 10:50 left to play, after two made free-throws by Barrett. The Saints outscored the Cobras 26-21 in the remaining time for the victory.

Limestone held the advantage in shooting percentage, going 51% from the field (25-49), while Coker was 25-58 for 43.1%. The Saints scored 21 points from the free-throw line compared to the visitors' 11 points. The Cobras held the edge in rebounding, 30-27. Each team scored 20 points off turnovers, as Limestone and Coker committed 17 and 20 turnovers, respectively.

Limestone hosts North Greenville University on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Timken Center. Coker hosts Queens on January 29 at 7:30 p.m. in Hartsville, S.C.