Jacksonville, Tx 

The Coastal Bend Cougars (18-11) traveled to Jacksonville, Texas to play the Jacksonville Jaguars (5-24) on Thursday. 

The Jaguars came into the game attempting to spoil the Coastal Bend Cougars' hopes of retaining the 5th seed in next week's Regional Tournament in Tyler.  From the jump, the Cougars had different plans, opening up a 16-8 lead the first 8 minutes of the game as they sliced up the Jaguars Box and 1 defense. Sloppy play by the Cougars would allow the Jags to get back in the game with a 9-0 run of their own. Down one, 16-17 with 6 minutes to go, Coach Robert Byrd called for the Full Court press which stymied the Jacksonville front court. Sophomore Isaiah Halliburton and Freshman Ike Nwaobi checked in and provided the extra spark that would get the Cougars rolling offensively, as they closed the half up 32-23.        

The Cougars would dominate the second half turning up the pressure in the Full Court stretching the lead to 15 by the middle of the half. The Jags couldn't make a dent in the lead as the Cougars responded to their every attempt. By the final buzzer the Coogs found themselves victorious to finish their historic season victorious, 85-61. 

At 19-11, the 2022-2023 Cougars set the school record for wins in a Season. Their 12 conference wins also marks the most in school history surpassing the previous record of 7 wins. The Cougars will take the number 5 seed in the tournament on the road to Tyler against the number 12 seeded Paris, who defeated Coastal Bend earlier in the year, 66-71.  

Key players of the game: Sophomore Breion Powell led all scorers with 18 points. Freshman Willie Williams registered another double double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Sophomore Isaiah Halliburton poured in 13 points along with 5 assists and Freshman Ike Nwaobi added a strong 11 points 5 boards.   

The win moves the Cougars record to 19-11, 12-7 in conference play. Coastal Bend will travel to Tyler, Texas for the Regional Tournament on Monday. The loss drops the Jags to 5-25, 3-16 in conference.  

(by Brandon Martinez Men's Basketball Assistant)