Beeville, TX- The Coastal Bend men's basketball team played host to Region XIV foe, Paris Junior College, on Saturday. The Dragons, winners of three of the last four including a hard fought win against Angelina were eager to bring their momentum to The Cougar Den. The Cougars, also riding high after back to back wins against Navarro and Trinity Valley, looked to defend their 4-1 home record.
From the tip of the game the Cougars seemed to set the tone as they defended the Dragons to a shot clock violation on the opening possession. They would dominate the next few possessions climbing to a 10-2 lead. The Dragons would respond with a 13-3 of their own to take their first lead, 13-15, midway through the first half. The first half would be a back and forth battle with three lead changes and two ties. The Dragons would stretch the lead to five at one point but a clutch four-point play by Freshman Peter McKey would close the gap. The Dragons would eventually end the half on top, 36-40.
The Dragons kept the Cougars at bay the entire second half, maintaining a slight lead throughout. By the fourteen minute mark the Dragons stretched the lead to the games largest at, 41-48. Key back to back possessions with ten minutes to go helped the Cougars close the lead to 1 after a clutch three from Freshman Jamil Muttilib and a steal by Sophomore Taevon Anderson. Paris would answer back with a 5-0 run. By the 3:50 minute mark the Cougars looked to make one last push for the lead. Sophomore, Isaiah Halliburton would check into the game white hot, scoring 10 of his team high 11 points, closing the lead to 3. After a great defensive stop the Cougars found themselves with the ball with 11 seconds to go. Halliburton's magic would run out as his 3 point attempt to tie would fall short and the Dragons would prevail, 66-71.
Key players of the game for Coastal Bend was Hallibuton who led the Cougars in scoring with 11 points, including 10 in the final 4 minutes. Cougar Freshman, Willie Williams registered a double double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The loss moves the Cougars to 8-6 on the year and 2-2 in Conference play. They will travel to Bossier Parish Wednesday, January 4th (5-5, 0-4) at 2pm.
(By Brandon Martinez Men's Basketball Assistant)