Basketball Recap: First Coast Falls Despite Big Games from Nicias Harris and Amari Walton

First Coast was the 75-67 winner over Mandarin when they last played one another back in December of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. The First Coast Buccaneers took a 67-56 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Mandarin Mustangs on Friday. The Buccaneers' defeat continues a trend for the squad, making it four in a row.

Despite the loss, First Coast had strong showings from Amari Walton, who dropped a double-double on ten points and ten boards, and Nicias Harris, who made all 7 shots he took racking up 14 points. Walton is crushing it when it comes to rebounds: he's pulled down at least ten every time he's taken the court this season. Christian Williams was another key player, putting up seven points and seven boards.

Even though they lost, First Coast smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 14 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive boards in 14 consecutive matchups.

First Coast now has a losing record at 7-8. As for Mandarin, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 13-4.

First Coast has already played their next game, a 90-50 defeat against Ribault on the 13th. As for Mandarin, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next contest, a 60-47 victory against Sandalwood on the 14th.