Brunswick. GA - In a back-and-forth battle, the Webber International Men's Basketball team fell to the Coastal Georgia Mariners in a thrilling 70-67 game. The game saw multiple lead changes, clutch three-pointers, and a dramatic finish as Webber International fought until the final seconds.
Webber International started strong, taking an early 10-5 lead behind a three-pointer from Khalyl Simmons and a fastbreak layup by Zachary O'Callaghan. However, Coastal Georgia responded with a barrage of three-pointers, led by Thaddeus Burns and Preston Crisp, who each hit back-to-back shots from beyond the arc. This hot shooting propelled Coastal Georgia to a 21-12 lead midway through the half.
Webber International managed to cut the deficit with key plays from Simmons and O'Callaghan, but Coastal Georgia maintained control with efficient ball movement and inside scoring from Jeremiah Camara and Valdy Zephir. At halftime, Coastal Georgia held a 43-35 advantage.
Webber International came out aggressive after halftime, led by Simmons, who drilled multiple three-pointers to trim the deficit. Coastal Georgia continued to answer, as Crisp and Burns knocked down key shots to keep their team ahead. Orlando Thomas was pivotal for Webber, scoring crucial layups and free throws to keep them within striking distance.
With five minutes remaining, Coastal Georgia led 62-56, but Webber refused to go away. Gabriel Sorensen hit a big jumper, followed by Thomas and Montrell Bell, who attacked the paint to bring Webber within three points (68-65) with under two minutes left.
With 49 seconds remaining, Thomas converted a clutch layup to bring Webber within one point (68-67). Coastal Georgia then missed on the other end, giving Webber a chance to take the lead. However, a costly turnover by Jordan Golden led to a pair of free throws for Salle Wilson, who calmly extended Coastal Georgia's lead to 70-67 with just two seconds remaining.
Webber had one last opportunity, but Thomas' three-point attempt at the buzzer fell short, sealing Coastal Georgia's narrow victory.
