WASHINGTON, D.C. – Playing in its third game in four days, a shorthanded Coppin State men's basketball team forced 26 turnovers but shot just 27.3% from the floor in an 80-48 loss against Georgetown on Tuesday night at McDonough Arena. The 26 turnovers forced by CSU are the second-most caused by the team under fourth-year head coach
Juan Dixon, and the most by a non-conference opponent.
Koby Thomas notched a double-double with 12 points and ten rebounds to lead Coppin, who got an identical 12 points on four 3-pointers from
Chereef Knox. Knox' 12 points matches a career-high that he recorded twice at Saint Joseph's University last season.
Anthony Tarke added eight points along with five rebounds and five steals while his younger brother
Nendah Tarke finished with seven points, six rebounds and a pair of steals. Also contributing was
Kyle Cardaci with six points as
Dwaine Jones, Jr., saw his most extensive playing time and was credited with six assists.
The Eagles started out strong once again and took an early 10-4 lead following a breakaway dunk by
Anthony Tarke, followed by a layup by Thomas. Georgetown quickly answered and tied the score at ten, but Knox banged in back-to-back threes before a layup by
Nendah Tarke gave Coppin an 18-15 advantage with 9:06 remaining in the first half.
It was all Georgetown from there as the Hoyas closed the half on a 23-5 run and took a 38-23 lead into the break. The Eagles stayed in the game with a suffocating defense that caused 13 first half turnovers.
Coppin kept up the strong defensive play in the second half, forcing another 13 turnovers, but its shots were not falling as the hosts continued to increase their lead.
CSU finished the game with a 29.0% field goal percentage compared to 51.9% for the Hoyas, who outrebounded the much smaller Eagles, 53-29. Georgetown's 26 turnovers led to 20 points for the Navy & Gold.
Coppin returns to action for its home opener on Thursday, December 10 when it hosts UNC Greensboro in a 7 pm tipoff at PEC Arena.
