TALLADEGA, Ala. - Coastal Alabama - North Men's Basketball punched its ticket to the championship game of the ACCC Division II Men's Basketball Championship Tournament with a thrilling 102-93 semifinal victory over rival Reid State Technical College (Ala.) on Friday night, Feb. 27 in Talladega.

With the win, the Coyotes advance to Saturday's title game where they will face No. 16 Snead State Community College (Ala.) at 2:30 p.m. CT.

Coastal - North, now 23-8 on the season and riding a 13-game win streak, delivered one of its most complete offensive performances of the season, shooting 55.2 percent (32-of-58) from the field, 60 percent (9-of-15) from three-point range, and 78.4 percent (29-of-37) from the free-throw line. The Coyotes also dished out 23 assists and forced 14 steals in the up-tempo semifinal clash.

After a tightly contested opening stretch, Coastal began to find its rhythm behind a dominant effort from its bench. Sophomore Chimeziri Okeoma erupted for a career-high 34 points, shooting 11-of-17 from the floor and 6-of-8 from beyond the arc while knocking down 6-of-7 free throws. His scoring burst provided the separation the Coyotes needed in the second half.

Bryce Wilkins added 18 points and eight rebounds, while Elijah Pippins controlled the pace with 14 points and a game-high 11 assists for a double-double. He added four steals. Bryson Holmes chipped in 11 points and six rebounds, and Justin Burns contributed eight points and seven boards in the balanced team effort.

Off the bench, Jayden Evans added seven points and five rebounds, and David Culbreath-Martin knocked down a key three-pointer in the second half to help maintain momentum.

The Coyotes tallied 38 rebounds and converted timely free throws down the stretch to fend off multiple pushes from Reid State, securing their spot in the championship final.
 

Championship Preview: No. 23 Coyotes vs. No. 16 Snead State

Saturday's championship matchup features two nationally ranked programs as No. 23 Coastal Alabama - North squares off against No. 16 Snead State in a highly anticipated title showdown.

The Coyotes and Snead State split regular-season meetings in recent years, but Coastal holds the advantage this season, having defeated the Parsons twice during conference play. Those victories will provide confidence, but postseason play presents a new challenge on a neutral floor.

Coastal enters the final averaging strong offensive and rebounding production and coming off a 102-point performance in the semifinals. The Coyotes' ability to score efficiently, stretch the floor from three-point range, and create offense through ball movement will be critical against a disciplined Snead State squad.

With a conference championship on the line and an automatic berth to the district champinoship at stake, Saturday's 2:30 p.m. CT tipoff promises to deliver another high-intensity battle.

The Coyotes now stand one win away from an ACCC Division II Tournament Championship.

You can watch Saturday's title game live on JockJive.com.
 

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.