MONROEVILLE, Ala. - In a tense sibling rivalry matchup that came down to the final possession, the Coastal Alabama - North Men's Basketball team fell just short on Thursday night, Nov. 13, dropping a 91-89 battle to Coastal Alabama - South inside the Cooper Center on the Monroeville campus.
The Coyotes put together one of their most complete offensive performances of the young season, shooting an even 50% from the floor and out-rebounding Coastal - South by a dominant 44-24 margin, but a barrage of perimeter shooting from the visiting Yotes proved to be the difference, as Coastal - South knocked down 14 three-pointers on the night.
Coastal - North falls back under .500 on the young season, entering next week with a 2-3 overall record.
Final Minutes Decide First Meeting of Season
Coastal Alabama - North controlled much of the first half, attacking the paint and capitalizing at the foul line to take a 49-45 lead into halftime. Bryce Wilkins powered the Coyotes with an exceptional night inside, finishing with a team-high 26 points on 8-of-10 shooting while grabbing 13 rebounds for a double-double. Chimeziri Okeoma provided a major spark off the bench, pouring in 16 points, including three makes from beyond the arc while also contributing four rebounds and three assists.
Despite Coastal - North's size and efficiency inside, Coastal - South answered repeatedly from long range. AJ Thompson scored 22 points for the visitors, while Josh Williams added a game-high 24 on 7-of-9 shooting and a strong 3-of-4 from deep. With the game tied in the closing minute, Coastal - South converted at the line to take a slim two-point advantage. Coastal - North had a final opportunity to tie or win, but the Yotes were unable to get a shot off before the buzzer rang.
Additional Performances
- Bryson Holmes turned in another consistent outing with 11 points and seven rebounds.
- Rashad Mitchell added 12 points, including a 7-of-10 showing at the foul line.
- Eli Pippins posted a strong all-around effort with seven points, seven rebounds, and a team-high seven assists.
- Coastal - North finished 23-of-37 from the free-throw line and 6-of-21 from three-point range.
Up Next
The Coyotes of Coastal - North return to action early next week with a Monday non-conference matchup against Delgado CC (La.) at home. Monday's game at the Cooper Center is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT as the Yotes look to get back to .500 on the season.
FOLLOW THE YOTES
For coverage of Coastal Alabama North Athletics, follow the Coyotes on social media at /CoastalAlabamaNorth (Facebook), @CoastalAL_north (Twitter), and @coastalal_north (Instagram), or visit the official home of the Coastal Alabama North Athletic Department at https://coastalcoyotessnorth.com/index.aspx.
