Beeville, Tx 

The Coastal Bend Cougars (17-9) hosted the Victoria Pirates (4-23) on Saturday. 

Sophomore Night in The Den was packed to see the second leg of the First Annual South Texas Clash, a moniker given to the rivalry game between the two teams that share 45 miles of Highway 59 through Goliad. In the traditions of Sophomore Night the Cougars started the game with their graduating class, and they didn't disappoint. Sophomores Tyree Jones, Taevon Anderson, Isaiah Halliburton, Breion Powell and Malik Nash set the tone for the night, opening up the game with a 13-5 run.

The Coastal Bend starters dominated the glass and attacked the Pirates on each possession making quick work of Victoria in their last game in The Den. With about 13 minutes left in the half Coach Robert Byrd inserted the starters and they continued the onslaught stretching the lead to 21-10 by the 11 minute mark. Victoria would respond, cutting the lead down to within single digits but Freshman Jamil Muttilib and the Cougars countered with a devastating combo, deep three pointer, followed by a steal then  thunderous dunk to push the lead 40-25. By halftime the lead had ballooned to 17 in favor of the Coogs, 49-32. 

The second half was much more of the same; with the Cougars running the lead up behind a complete team effort of stout defense and solid shooting. The Coogs win, 104-70. 

Key players of the game: Seven players would score double figures on the night. Freshman Jamil Muttilib led the Cougars with 19 points shooting 4 of 5 from the three point line alongwith 6 boards. Freshman Willie Williams and Sophomore Breion Powell each contributed 14 points to go with 6 and 7 boards, respectively. Freshman Peter McKey chipped in 12. Sophomore Tyree Jones added 11 points and 7 rebounds and Sophomores Malik Nash and Taevon Anderson each provided 10 points apiece. Nash also dished out 6 assists to go with 6 rebounds, while Anderson snagged 6 rebounds as well.     

The win moves the Cougars record to 18-9, 11-5 in conference play. They will hit the road for the last 3 games of the season starting with Lamar State-PA on Wednesday followed by Lee on the 25th and finishing with Jacksonville on the 28th. The win drops the Pirates to 4-24, 3-14 in conference play.                  

(by Brandon Martinez Men's Basketball Assistant)