Posted: Nov 09, 2024
Columbia Men Hang on to Edge Regent 79-78
Columbia (SC)
(1-0)
79
Regent (Va.)
(0-1)
78
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Columbia (SC) (1-0) | 43 | 36 | 79 |
|
Regent (Va.) (0-1) | 33 | 45 | 78 |
by Alvaro Mendez, SID Intern
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – The Columbia College men's basketball team earned their first road victory in program history on Saturday afternoon, defeating Regent University (Va.) 79-78 in a nail-biter, improving to a 4-1 record on the season.
Junior guard Tae Burton led the Koalas with 16 points, two 3s, and 2 assists while senior guard Kendall Brasfield followed, adding 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 steals. Junior forward Chandler O'Bannon put up a double-double, showing his presence in the paint with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Koalas jumped out to an early 9-7 lead, then quickly went on a 10-1 run to go up 19-8 midway through the first half. Although the Royals kept it close, trailing only 37-33 with a minute left in the half, Columbia regained momentum just before the break, ending on a 6-0 run to hold a 43-33 lead at halftime.
After the break, the Koalas extended their lead to 60-46 midway through the second half. However, the Royals rallied in the closing minutes, cutting the deficit down to a single point on a 6-0 run. In a tense final few seconds, the Koalas were able to hold on to secure a 79-78 road win.
Junior guard AJ Vaught added 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while junior guard Austin Harrell provided a spark off the bench with 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. CC shot 50% from the field overall and outrebounded RU 40-28.
Columbia College will return home for their next game, as they begin AAC play hosting St. Andrews (NC) on Wednesday night at 7:30 pm.