MARINERS DROP FIRST TWO GAMES

The College of Coastal Georgia Men's basketball team, along with the CCGA community, is waiting with anticipation for the Mariners' home opener on Nov. 9 against Brewton-Parker at 7:30 p.m.

After a tough opening weekend in the Santa Fe Tip Off tournament in Gainesville, Fla. on Nov. 1 and 2 the Mariners are traveling to Florida again. Though they are 0-2 heading into the Tallahassee Tip Off on Nov. 5 and 6, Coach Gerald Cox expects a better performance from his players.

Sophomore point guard Antonito Tribble and sophomore led the way in the Mariners 97-93 loss to St. John's River Community College on Nov. 1. Tribble had 26 points to go with five assists while Finn contributed 23 points. Freshman forward Kentory Johnson added 11 points and seven rebounds.

Against tournament host Santa Fe College, however, sophomore transfer Johathan Brooks was the only Mariner to score in double digits, dropping in 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds in the 77-64 loss.

In their first two games combined, the Mariners shot percent from the field and just 19 percent (7/36) from three-point range.

“We shot terribly in our first two games,” Cox said. “Overall I thought we executed well. It wasn't that we had bad shots, they just weren't going in.”

Cox said that poor percentage from the field, especially from three-point range hurts the Mariners' dribble-drive offense, which is predicated on hitting open looks when defenses collapse to defend a penetrating guard.

“We did well getting offensive boards and played good defense in spots, but a team can't shoot like that and win in college,” he said.

After two hard-fought tournaments in the Sunshine State, stands filled with cheering fans in the newly renovated Coffin Gym will be a welcome sign for the already well-traveled team.

Fans can expect many positive changes from the Coffin Center renovation which has resulted in a safer, nicer and cleaner environment overall.

The concession stand is now fully functional and will have a variety of food, drinks and treats for purchase.

The gym itself is now brighter due to brand new lighting and the new bleachers provides a more comfortable

After a two-year hiatus in admission charges, it will now cost spectators $5 to enter the gym. CCGA students, faculty and staff as well as friends of the college will be admitted for free. Children 12 years old and under will also be free.

Season tickets are now available in individual, family and corporate packages. For more information and rates, contact Vanessa Bell in the Athletic Office at (912)-273-5844.

After the Nov. 9 home opener, the Mariners' wrap up their home schedule for the month of November with a Saturday game against Central Florida Community College on the 14 th at 7:30 p.m.

For a complete schedule, roster and updates, visit www.ccga.edu/athletics .