POPLARVILLE, Miss. - The Coastal Alabama - South Men's Basketball team endured a challenging weekend on the road at the Pearl River Classic, falling to Pearl River Community College (Miss.) and Hinds Community College (Miss.) in back-to-back contests. The two losses over the weekend drops the overall record on the year to 0-4, with the Yotes in search of their first win of the campaign on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Friday vs. Pearl River CC
The Coyotes opened the weekend with a tough 87-56 loss to a hot-shooting Pearl River squad, the host-team for the annual Pearl River Classic. Coastal - South stayed competitive early, trailing 40-28 at the half, but the Wildcats pulled away with a strong 47-point second half.
Makhi Jones led Coastal Alabama - South with 16 points, including a pair of three-pointers, while adding seven rebounds and one block. Josh Williams finished one point shy of a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds, and Jaden Champion added eight points and three rebounds. The Coyotes shot just 27% from the field and 29% from beyond the arc but made 20 of 31 free throws (64.5%).
Pearl River controlled the paint with 52 points inside and out-rebounded Coastal - South 50-37. Despite the result, the Coyotes showed balance with nine different players contributing in the scoring column.
Saturday vs. Hinds CC
In the second matchup of the weekend, Coastal Alabama - South fell in a high-scoring contest, 95-85, against Hinds Community College. The Coyotes exploded for 52 first-half points but couldn't maintain the pace as Hinds rallied with a 56-point second half to steal the win.
Four Coyotes reached double figures, led by BJ Cooks' team-high 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including 4-of-7 from deep. AJ Thompson posted a strong double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Makhi Jones added 15 points and six boards. Josh Williams chipped in 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Coastal - South shot an impressive 51.8% from the field and 46.7% from beyond the arc, but turnovers proved costly as the Coyotes committed 25, leading to transition opportunities for Hinds. Despite the setback, Coastal Alabama - South displayed offensive balance and high efficiency from the floor, showcasing the potential of the young roster early in the 2025–26 campaign.
Up Next
The Coyotes (0-4) continue their non-conference slate next week, looking to bounce back as they return to Bay Minette, Ala. for a Veteran's Day matchup against Pensacola State (Fla.) on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Tuesday's game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. CT.
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