An Intense Showdown in Brunswick: Coastal Georgia vs. Georgia Gwinnett
Brunswick, Ga. — The College of Coastal Georgia men’s basketball team faced a formidable opponent in Georgia Gwinnett on Tuesday night, showcasing their resilience and teamwork in an exhilarating contest that ultimately ended in an 83–74 defeat at Howard Coffin Gym. The matchup highlighted the Mariners’ determination as they battled one of the NAIA’s top programs.
A Game of High Stakes
From the onset, the game delivered excitement and tension, with neither team willing to give an inch. The Mariners and Grizzlies exchanged leads frequently, a true testament to their competitive spirits. The first half was particularly thrilling, as the score was tied six times, and the lead changed hands five times. Coastal Georgia went into the locker room trailing by just one point, 33–32, after a hard-fought first half marked by defensive tenacity and a steady offensive approach.
First Half Dynamics
The initial 20 minutes displayed a fierce back-and-forth battle. Mannie Harris set the tone right away, nailing an early three-pointer and charging the basket during fast breaks—energizing both his teammates and the crowd. Kycean Pruett contributed significantly with his outside shooting, hitting a pair of threes that kept the Mariners competitive. Meanwhile, inside the paint, Alexandre Zambonetti and Aamir Mack fought hard on the boards, crucially limiting Georgia Gwinnett’s second-chance opportunities.
Statistically, the Mariners shot 35.5% from the field in the first half and were 4-for-14 from three-point range, while successfully holding the Grizzlies to a similar shooting percentage of 35.3%. Coastal Georgia’s defensive strength shone through as they forced nine turnovers in the first half, converting those into 10 points. By halftime, Harris and Zambonetti each had five points, and Mack’s presence inside kept the game within striking distance.
Second Half Surge
The intensity carried into the second half, maintaining the electrifying atmosphere. Pruett hit another three-pointer, briefly putting Coastal ahead, but the Grizzlies quickly countered with a 6–0 run. For almost ten minutes, the teams continued to trade scoring spurts, creating an exhilarating back-and-forth dynamic.
Midway through the half, Mannie Harris exploded offensively, scoring 11 of his 16 points after the break. His deep three and powerful drives through contact exemplified his scoring ability. Pruett added 11 points in the second half, finishing with a commendable 14 points on an efficient 5-of-9 shooting night, including a stellar 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Isaiah Edden ran the offense masterfully, dishing out six assists while contributing eight points himself, aiding his teammates in finding quality shooting opportunities.
Bench Contributions
Off the bench, Aamir Mack proved to be a vital asset. His physicality helped secure 10 rebounds—five of which were on the offensive glass—alongside eight points. This frontcourt strength allowed Coastal Georgia to maintain parity in rebounding, with both teams finishing with 45 boards. In limited minutes, Ellis Graham also made a defensive impact, adding three points and blocking two shots, showing that the Mariners’ depth was a key component of their game strategy.
A Nail-Biting Finish
As the game approached its conclusion, the Mariners found themselves still in contention. A pair of crucial threes from Harris and Pruett cut the deficit to just two points with under five minutes remaining. However, Georgia Gwinnett’s depth and effective late-game execution emerged as decisive factors. The Grizzlies finished the match on a 16–8 run while converting their last six free throws to secure their victory.
Statistical Overview
Coastal Georgia wrapped up the game shooting 25-of-65 (38.5%) overall and 9-of-29 (31%) from three-point range, ultimately assisting on 15 of their 25 field goals. On the defensive side, they managed to hold Georgia Gwinnett to just 37.5% shooting overall, but the Grizzlies outperformed Coastal Georgia at the free-throw line, hitting 20 of 25 attempts (80%) compared to the Mariners’ 15-of-25 (60%).
Moving Forward
With this loss, Coastal Georgia now stands at 1–1 for the season. They look forward to bouncing back in their upcoming games as they continue their non-conference journey. The passion and teamwork displayed in this match serve as a solid foundation for future challenges.