MOBILE, Ala. - Coastal Alabama - South Men's Basketball turned in a 1-1 showing at the Battle of Mardi Gras Classic, highlighted by an explosive offensive performance against Delgado Community College (La.) before narrowly falling to Southern University of Shreveport (La.) in the weekend finale. The tournament was hosted by Bishop State (Ala.) in downtown Mobile, Ala. from Dec. 18-19 as the 1-1 weekend for Coastal - South moves the overall record on the season to 4-10, with the Coyotes' next game being set for January 2026.
Mardi Gras Classic Recap
The Coyotes opened the classic in emphatic fashion with a 106-90 victory over Delgado, showcasing balance, efficiency, and depth on the offensive end. Coastal - South shot 52.9% from the floor and knocked down 11 three-pointers while placing five players in double figures in the opening game of the tournament.
Makhi Jones led the way with a dominant all-around performance, pouring in a season-high 30 points on 11-of-15 shooting to go along with four assists and two steals. Jones finished just two points shy of matching his career-high 32-point performance recorded last season. Meanwhile, BJ Cooks followed Jones with 21 points, connecting on four three-pointers, while AJ Thompson added 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Offensive leader on the season Josh Williams returned to the court after missing the previous contest and provided a spark with 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists as the Coyotes pulled away in the second half to secure the win.
The next day, Coastal - South's momentum carried into the second game, but the Coyotes came up just short in an 82-80 loss to Southern University of Shreveport. Despite battling back-and-forth throughout the contest, missed opportunities at the free-throw line and a cold shooting night ultimately proved costly. The Coyotes shot only 31.7% from the field and left points at the stripe, finishing 31-of-46 on free throws.
Bryce Bracco and Josh Williams paced Coastal - South with 14 points apiece off the bench. Makhi Jones added 12 points and eight rebounds, while AJ Thompson contributed nine points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Tyler Rivers was active on the glass with nine rebounds, helping the Coyotes out-rebound SUSLA 47-34, but turnovers and shooting struggles down the stretch sealed the outcome.
Coastal Alabama - South exits the Battle of Mardi Gras Classic with a split, flashing its offensive potential while gaining valuable experience in a tightly contested loss as the Coyotes head into the holiday break.
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