The College of Coastal Georgia men’s basketball team put up a strong fight against Georgia Gwinnett on October 29, 2025, but lost 83 to 74 in a hard fought game at Howard Coffin Gym in Brunswick, Georgia. The Mariners showed grit and balance, keeping the contest tight with multiple ties and lead changes before the Grizzlies pulled away late.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
Fans packed Howard Coffin Gym for an exciting matchup between two NAIA teams. The game stayed close from the tip off, with the score tied six times and the lead switching hands five times. Coastal Georgia trailed by just one point at halftime, setting up a tense second half.
Both squads played tough defense early on. The Mariners forced nine turnovers in the first half and turned them into 10 points. Georgia Gwinnett answered with strong rebounding and timely shots to hold a slim edge going into the break.
In the second half, Coastal Georgia made several runs to stay in it. They cut the deficit to two points with under five minutes left, but the Grizzlies finished strong with a 16 to 8 run. Free throws proved key, as Georgia Gwinnett made their last six attempts to seal the win.
This loss dropped the Mariners to a 1 and 1 record after their season opening victory over Thomas University on October 25, where they won 84 to 65. Georgia Gwinnett improved to 3 and 0, marking their first road win in program history.
Standout Player Performances
Mannie Harris led the Mariners with 16 points, including 11 in the second half. He hit key shots, like a deep three pointer and a tough drive to the basket, keeping his team in the hunt.
Kycean Pruett added 14 points on efficient shooting, going 5 for 9 from the field and 4 for 7 from three point range. His perimeter scoring gave Coastal Georgia a boost, especially early in the second half when he briefly put them ahead.
Other contributors included Alexandre Zambonetti with nine points and seven rebounds, Isaiah Edden with eight points and six assists, and Aamir Mack with eight points and 10 rebounds. Mack’s work on the boards helped the Mariners match Georgia Gwinnett’s rebound total.
From the bench, Ellis Graham chipped in with three points and two blocks. The team’s depth showed in their ability to battle a strong opponent.
- Harris: 16 points, 6 field goals made, 2 three pointers.
- Pruett: 14 points, 5 field goals made, 4 three pointers.
- Zambonetti: 9 points, 7 rebounds.
- Edden: 8 points, 6 assists.
- Mack: 8 points, 10 rebounds.
Team Stats Breakdown
Both teams grabbed 45 rebounds, showing a balanced fight on the glass. Coastal Georgia shot 38.5 percent from the field, making 25 of 65 attempts, and 31 percent from three point range on 9 of 29 tries.
Georgia Gwinnett shot 37.5 percent overall but excelled at the free throw line, hitting 20 of 25 for 80 percent. The Mariners made 15 of 25 free throws for 60 percent. Turnovers hurt Coastal Georgia, with 16 compared to the Grizzlies’ 13.
The Mariners dished out 15 assists on their 25 made field goals, highlighting good ball movement. They also forced eight steals and blocked shots to disrupt Georgia Gwinnett’s rhythm.
| Category | Georgia Gwinnett | Coastal Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 37.5 | 38.5 |
| Three Point % | 27.3 | 31.0 |
| Free Throw % | 80.0 | 60.0 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 45 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 16 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
Defensive Efforts and Strategy
Coastal Georgia focused on strong rotations and limiting second chance points in the first half. They held Georgia Gwinnett to 35.3 percent shooting before the break. Players like Zambonetti and Mack used their size to contest shots inside.
In the second half, the Mariners ramped up pressure but struggled with fouls. Georgia Gwinnett capitalized on trips to the line, which made the difference in the close game. Coastal Georgia’s defense forced turnovers but could not stop the late run.
The coaching staff praised the team’s composure. They adjusted plays to exploit mismatches, leading to open looks for shooters like Pruett. This approach kept them competitive against a program building momentum in its inaugural season.
Looking Ahead for the Mariners
Coastal Georgia aims to build on this performance despite the loss. Their next game offers a chance to regain momentum and improve on free throw shooting, a key area from this matchup.
The team showed they can compete with top NAIA programs, which bodes well for the season. Fans hope for more balanced scoring and defensive stops in upcoming contests.
Share your thoughts on the game in the comments below. Did the Mariners’ grit impress you? Let us know and spread the word about this exciting NAIA action.
