Posted: Nov 06, 2024
Koala Men Hold Off Voorhees for 3rd Win
Voorhees University
(0-2)
85
Columbia (SC)
(3-1)
87
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Voorhees University (0-2) | 44 | 41 | 85 |
|
Columbia (SC) (3-1) | 42 | 45 | 87 |
by: Alvaro Mendez, SID Intern
COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia College inaugural men's basketball team improved to a 3-1 record on the season with a thrilling 87-85 home victory over NAIA foe Voorhees University (SC) on Wednesday night.
Junior guard Tae Burton led the Koalas with 15 points and 3 steals, while junior forward Nakia Johnson contributed 14 points, 6 rebounds, and an impressive 5 blocks. Senior guard Cam Lawson also made an impact, adding 14 points and 3 assists.
The game opened with a back and forth battle, featuring multiple lead changes before the Tigers began to pull away midway through the first half, taking a 31-21 lead. The Koalas soon found themselves down 39-28 with five minutes left in the half but closed strong with a 14-5 run, narrowing the deficit to just two points as they trailed 44-42 at halftime.
In the second half, Columbia College came out firing with a 7-0 run to take a 49-44 lead. The Tigers fought back, tying the game at 63 midway through the half. Both teams continued to trade baskets and with four minutes left, the score remained knotted at 73. In the closing minutes, the Koalas held their composure, hitting clutch free throws to seal the 87-85 win.
Junior wing Chandler O'Bannon delivered an all-around performance with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Junior wing Thomas Whitley added 11 points and 9 rebounds, shooting a sharp 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. Senior guard Kendall Brasfield rounded out the double figure scorers with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals.
The Koalas will hit the road for their next game, traveling to Virginia Beach to face Regent University (VA) on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 pm.