Waleska, Ga. -- The College of Coastal Georgia men's basketball team (3-1, 0-0) rallied past previously-unbeaten Lindsey Wilson College 82-77 at the Coke Classic at Reinhardt University Saturday evening.
In a showcase back-and-forth pairing, the Mariners scored the game's final six points to earn the five-point victory. Following a go-ahead three-point conversion that gave the Blue Raiders a 77-76 lead with 2:35 remaining, Coastal Georgia answered with a 6-0 run to close out the game. A dunk from redshirt sophomore
Ellis Graham gave the Mariners a lead they would carry through to victory.
"Proud of our guys' resolve and fight tonight. It's tough to beat a team when you're on a back-to-back and they aren't. Add in that it's an undefeated NAIA Tournament team in Lindsey Wilson and that's a really tough spot," explained CCGA head men's basketball coach
Tim MacAllister. "Our guys responded with a collective effort and will to come out on top tonight. We were down as many as eight in the second half and two possessions with just a few minutes to go and we kept fighting."
Five Coastal Georgia players scored in double figures, with senior
Kaden McArthur leading the way with 19 points. Junior
Thaddeus Burns scored 14, senior
Caiden Punt added 13, senior
Alex Zambonetti contributed 11 and sophomore Jayden Cole compiled 10. Graham and senior
Khylan McKennie tied for the team lead with five rebounds each. McArthur led the way with four assists. Punt registered four steals.
It was another notable offensive performance for the Mariners, who have now scored over 80 points in three of their four games. Coastal Georgia shot 52.6% from the floor, including making 14-of-26 second half field goal attempts.
"Excited for what this team can be when we are healthy and have all our pieces in place," MacAllister added.
Up next for the Mariners is an exhibition on the road against NCAA Division I member Florida Atlantic, which made the NCAA Tournament Final Four in 2003, on Saturday, November 14th at 2:00pm in a contest which will be shown on ESPN+. Official play will resume on Wednesday, November 18th when Coastal Georgia plays at Spartanburg Methodist at 7:30pm.
