Box Score THE COOPER CENTER | MONROEVILLE, Ala. - The Coastal Alabama - North Women's Basketball team wrapped up the home portion of the 2025-26 season on Thursday, Feb. 5, hosting Lurleen B. Wallace Community College (Ala.) for Homecoming 2026 in Monroeville. The 'Yotes battled, but ultimately came up short 81-77 against the Saints, falling to 10-14 overall on the season and 5-5 in the ACCC with tough competition ahead.
Following the game, the Coastal Alabama - North Women's Basketball program recognized six graduating sophomores who completed the final game of their collegiate careers inside the Cooper Center as a Coastal - North Coyote. Sophomores honored were the following: Saije Taylor, Ariel Gilchrist, Ashley Brach, Tamira Smalls, Grace Smith, and Precious Marshall.
Game Highlights
The Coyotes opened Thursday's contest with a 22-16 advantage after the first quarter, adding 20 more points in the second frame to lead 42-38 in a high-scoring first half. However, LBW responded in the second half, managing a 25-22 run in the third quarter before outscoring the 'Yotes 18-13 in the fourth to earn the comeback victory.
Saije Taylor wrapped up her collegiate career at home with a double-double performance, finishing with 20 points and 12 rebounds to pace the Coyotes in both categories. Grace Smith joined fellow sophomore Taylor with a double-double, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, freshman Akira Martin posted a season-high 10 points in the defeat, while Joy Minnfield tallied 11 points from off the bench. Coastal - North's Ariel Gilchrist was injured in the first quarter after scoring two points and recording two rebounds and two assists to open the game against LBW. Gilchrist sits second on the team in scoring during the 2025-26 season.
As a team, the 'Yotes shot 34.1% as a unit, making just 11 of 29 free throw attempts in the process. Coastal - North managed a stellar 48 rebounds in the loss, but turned the ball over 12 times. The Coyotes did put together a strong effort defensively, adding 12 steals and seven blocks. Tamira Smalls paced Coastal with four blocks in the game.
No. 21 Chatt Valley Ahead
Coastal - North, sitting in fourth place and on the bubble in the current ACCC D-II standings, has a tough test ahead on the road, coming against No. 21 Chattahoochee Valley on Monday afternoon, Feb. 9 at 4:00 p.m. CT. Monday's game will be played in Phenix City, Ala.
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