Staff report

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Catawba’s men’s basketball team didn’t play great on Wednesday afternoon, but the Indians have reached the survive-and-advance stage of the season, and all that matters is they’re still kicking.

Sixth-seeded Catawba (18-11) extended its season at least one more day with an 85-80 win against third-seeded Coker (19-10).

Catawba survived 24 turnovers and 3-for-14 3-point shooting in a quarterfinal struggle in the South Atlantic Conference Tournament.

The Indians won with defense — Coker shot only 35 percent — and by getting to the foul line frequently. Catawba was 27-for-35 on free throws and outscored the Cobras by 12 points at the stripe.

Catawba shot 45.5 percent from the field.

Nick Walker had 20 points and eight rebounds. Kris Robinson made three 3-pointers, went 7-for-7 on free throws and scored 18. Jashaun Hawkins scored 12.

Ibra Athie’s 12 rebounds helped the Indians win the board battle. Montraivis White had five assists. Justin Banks rejected six shots.

Next for Catawba is a Thursday semifinal at 2:30 p.m. against second-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne. Top-seeded Lincoln Memorial and fifth-seeded Carson-Newman square off in an earlier semifinal.

Catawba   39    41   — 80

Coker        39     36   — 75

CATAWBA scoring — Walker 20, Robinson 18, Hawkins 12, Banks 8, Athie 8, Jones 6, McDuffie 4, White 4