C-N traipses to 80-74 win over Coker
January 30, 2026

C-N traipses to 80-74 win over Coker

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (12-8, 7-7 South Atlantic Conference) used a 15-4 run early in the second half to create separation before holding off a late Coker (1-19, 0-14 SAC) rally to secure an 80-74 win over the Cobras Friday afternoon in Holt Fieldhouse. 

VIDEO: Chuck Benson Interview

VIDEO: Highlights

VIDEO: Matt Bilbrey interview

VIDEO: Jack Brower Interview

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman (12-8, 7-7 South Atlantic Conference) used a 15-4 run early in the second half to create separation before holding off a late Coker (1-19, 0-14 SAC) rally to secure an 80-74 win over the Cobras Friday afternoon in Holt Fieldhouse. 

The win secures a season sweep of the Cobras. The Eagles have won 18 of the last 20 meetings with Coker.  Coker has lost its last 19 games. 

However, victory 18 didn't have some of the same zeal and zest as the others per head coach Chuck Benson.

"I was concerned about this game," Benson said. "Coker has struggled this season and is incredibly hungry for a win. They're dangerous because they are playing free and easy. On top of that, I thought we had a bit of a lag, jet lag I guess, from our win Wednesday over Tusculum. We have certain guys who not only have to deliver on the court, but also have to deliver in the context of our team unity and their sense of urgency. Today, where we had some nice individual performances, and collectively, we ended up getting a win; but we had some guys who mentally weren't there, where we have shown some consistency with that of late."

Carson-Newman rolled out of the gates of the second half with its 15-4 run, turning a 41-35 halftime lead into a 56-39 advantage with 13:56 to go in the half.  Jack Browder (Kingsport, Tenn.) and Keliese Frye (Newport, Ky.) jump started the run with a layup and a reverse dunk, respectively.  Two Rylan Houck (Oxford, Ala.) and a Braden Ilic (Morristown, Tenn.) hook shot concluded the burst. 

Coker didn't rest on its laurels. The Cobras took advantage of a five-minute C-N field goal drought, and used a 17-2 run to get within two, 62-60 with 6:26 to play. 

The star of the surge was Evan Enos.  Enos had played 17 minutes all season and was 2-of-8 from the field in his career. He canned back-to-back threes, to cap the burst.

"They definitely had timely shot-making the second half," Benson said. "I hate to say it, I thought we were playing not to lose, and they were playing to win.  I do think this weather forecast and that 48-hour turnaround played a role. Let's be fair, we have some young men who are old boys on this team. I think there was some excitement for snow and sleeping in on Saturday followed by snow balls and sledding. As much as I don't want to admit it, in spite of a good day of preparation yesterday, I think that was a bit of a distraction as well." 

C-N did halt the Cobras' run with a 6-0 burst of its own. Matt Bilbrey (Crossville, Tenn.) connected on a pair of midrange jumpers around a Browder fastbreak layup.  The Cobras would get no closer than four the rest of the way.  C-N was 4-of-6 at the line in the final minute to ice the game. 

Browder led Carson-Newman with 21 points – the 47th of his career – to go along with 13 rebounds.  The SAC Player of the Year candidate turned in his 36th career double-double.  Browder also dolled out six assists, one off a career high. 

Bilbrey joined him double figures with 20.  Bilbrey was 7-of-14 from the field and 3-of-7 from deep.

"Jack and Matt were both statsheet stuffers," Benson said. "But in both their cases, outside of the production on the floor and the statistical data, there are other things we need from them.  Jack got frustrated today and lost poise, which is always one of our key tenants as a program.  I thought Bill had a little bit of a lag and still performed.  My expectations have always been there for Jack, and he strived to meet those expectations.

"Bilbrey, I have high expectations of Matt, because I have big visions for him in this program.  He's been outstanding this year, but I'm trying to help him grow in terms of his overall leadership qualities and characteristics. Ultimately, he is going to be a leader in this program. He just doesn't quite see it as I see it yet, but he's going in the right direction."

Bilbrey had 14 points after halftime. 

Houck added in 18 points, six boards and four assists.  He was 5-of-7 from the field. 

Frye tallied 13 points, five boards and three steals. 

Aaron Hall led Coker with a career-high 28.  He was 11-of-16 from the field.  Zundra Jackson was Coker's only other double-digit scorer.  He had 19 on 4-of-18 shooting.  Enos added nine. He was 3-of-5 from deep, surpassing his entire season's scoring total in 13 minutes. 

Carson-Newman shot 50 percent from the field while holding Coker to 40.3 percent shooting.  C-N had fewer turnovers than the Cobras, 11-10, but Coker converted all 10 of C-N's giveaways into points for a 20-11 edge in points off turnovers.  C-N outscored Coker in the paint 38-28. 

Carson-Newman hits the road Wednesday to take on UVA Wise. Tipoff from the Prior Convocation Center is 7:30 p.m. Coverage on the Eagle Sports Network starts at 7:15 p.m. with the AEC Countdown to Tipoff on Mix 105.5 (WSEV-FM, Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com/live. A view of press row will be available with the ESN crew's call on YouTube. 

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