THE COOPER CENTER | MONROEVILLE, Ala. - Coastal Alabama - North Men's Basketball made its return to the Cooper Center in impressive fashion Tuesday night, Nov. 3, overcoming a halftime deficit to earn a 74-70 victory over Bishop State (Ala.), the reigning ACCC Division I champions, in front of a large and energetic home crowd in Monroeville.

The Coyotes' home opener marked a special night for Coastal Alabama Athletics, with Coastal Alabama President Dr. Aaron Milner, Athletic Director Daniel Head, and numerous supporters in attendance to celebrate the program's accomplishments and welcome the team back to the Cooper Center.

Prior to tipoff, Coastal Alabama recognized its 2025-26 men's basketball team for capturing the ACCC Division II Championship. The championship celebration also included recognition of the generous donors whose contributions through the Coastal Alabama Foundation helped make championship rings possible for the players and coaching staff. The evening provided an opportunity to celebrate last season's historic achievement while ushering in a new campaign with championship expectations.

Once the ball was tipped, the Coyotes faced a tough challenge against a talented Bishop State squad. The Wildcats established an early advantage, taking a 33-27 lead into halftime after outscoring Coastal Alabama in the opening 20 minutes.

However, the Coyotes responded with a determined second-half performance, outscoring Bishop State 47-37 over the final 20 minutes to erase the deficit and secure the four-point victory. Coastal Alabama's ability to turn the momentum after the break proved to be the difference as the Coyotes defended their home floor against one of the conference's top programs.

Ethan Wyatt led the offensive effort with a game-high 24 points, shooting 5-of-13 from the floor and an impressive 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Wyatt also made his presence felt at the free-throw line, converting 10-of-13 attempts while adding three rebounds, two assists, and two steals

Trey Smith III contributed 13 points, three assists, and two steals, while Brennan Webb added 10 points, including a pair of three-pointers, along with three rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Dominick Nicholson provided a strong effort off the bench, finishing with eight points and a team-high eight rebounds while recording three steals. Bryce Wilkins also scored eight points and grabbed six rebounds, while Cassidie Patterson contributed five points and seven rebounds.

As a team, the Coyotes shot 37.5 percent from the field (21-of-56) and connected on 6-of-10 attempts from three-point range (60%). Coastal - North also converted 26-of-38 free-throw attempts and finished with 36 rebounds, nine assists, and eight steals while committing just 10 turnovers.

The victory gave the Coyotes a memorable start to their home schedule, combining a celebration of last season's championship success with a statement win against the reigning ACCC Division I champions.

With the Cooper Center crowd providing plenty of energy, Coastal Alabama - North continues its 2026-27 campaign looking to build on the championship standard established last season under head coach Chuck Taylor.
 

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.