Beeville, Tx

The Coastal Bend Cougars (16-7) hosted the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-20) Saturday afternoon.    

The crowd in The Den was sparse for a Saturday afternoon matchup pitting two Regional foes. The Cougars were riding high after their defeat of the #8 team in the nation, Lee College, a few nights before. The Jaguars came in hungry for a win after having dropped their 11th straight game and 20th of the season. The tip and score favored the Cougars for a majority of the game but the Jaguars stuck to their game plan of attacking the battered bodies of the home team and found themselves in striking distance late in the first half. Down by only 6 at halftime, 41-35, the Jags looked to upset Coastal Bend.

The Cougars held the lead the entire second half but Jacksonville wouldn't fade away. The Jags countered each run made by the Cougars to keep it within range. Down 3 with 1.1 seconds on the game clock and possession of the ball; the Cougars just needed a solid inbound to seal the deal, however, the pass was stolen and the half court heave by the Jaguars hit the back iron and out. 

Winner - Coastal Bend with the score 76-73.             

Key players of the game: Freshman Peter McKey led the Cougars with 18 points on 3-5 from three point land. Sophomore Malik Nash registered a double double with 11 points and 10 assists alongside Freshman Willie Williams 11 point 10 rebound performance. Sophomore Breion Powell also aided in the victory with 15 points and 8 boards. 

The win improves the Cougar's historical record to 17-7, 10-3 in conference play. They will travel to Lufkin Wednesday to battle the Angelina College Roadrunners to begin round 2 of Conference play. The loss drops the Jaguars to 2-21, 1-12 in Conference play.                  

(by Brandon Martinez Men's Basketball Assistant)