Tyler, Tx 1.12.2023- The Coastal Bend Cougars (10-6) traveled to Tyler, Tx on Wednesday to battle Tyler Junior College (10-6). The hot Cougars entered the contest winners over their last five games while the Apaches were looking to get back into the win column after losing to Angelina College a few nights before.

Coastal Bend came out of the gate firing, as Freshman Jamil Muttilib nailed his first three, seconds into the game. The Apaches would answer right back with a three of their own. Coastal Bend would turn the ball over on ensuing possessions, however, the Apaches couldn't capitalize. Coastal Bend's defense forced the Apaches to take contested three pointers each opportunity which resulted in misses. The Cougars would counter with consecutive baskets to push the lead to 7-3.

The Cougar lead would grow for the next 5 minutes teetering on breaking open but each time Tyler would battle back and eventually take their only lead of the game, 15-16 at the 10:30 mark but only briefly. Sophomore Isaiah Halliburton would check in and give Coastal Bend a burst of scoring with five quick points along with a couple of nice dimes to put the Cougars up eight, 28-20. For much of the first half the Cougars would maintain their distance ending the half up 11, 39-28.

The second half saw much of the same with the Cougars massaging a significant lead with the largest margin reaching 21 points, 65-44 by the 4:30 mark. The Apaches wouldn't rally to get back in the game until late in the game but the clock would run out with the Coastal Bend Cougars getting their first historical win over the Apaches, 75-61.

Key players of the game: Freshman Jamil Muttilib led all scorers with 15 points. Freshman Willie Williams recorded a double double with 12 points to go with 10 boards. Freshman Peter McKey added 11 points. Sophomore Breion Powell chipped in with 10 points while Sophomore guard Malik Nash dished out 10 assists. The Apaches Corey Camper Jr. and Makel Johnson each scored 14.

The win improves the Cougars record to 11-6, 5-2 in conference play. They will travel next week to Blinn on Saturday. The loss drops the Apaches to 10-7, 3-4 in conference play.

(by Brandon Martinez Men's Basketball Assistant)