Posted: Oct 30, 2024
CC Men's Basketball Suffers First Loss to Carolina
Carolina (N.C.)
(1-2)
67
Columbia (SC)
(2-1)
61
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Carolina (N.C.) (1-2) | 33 | 34 | 67 |
|
Columbia (SC) (2-1) | 31 | 30 | 61 |
article courtesy of Alvaro Mendez, SID Intern
COLUMBIA, SC - The Columbia College inaugural men's basketball team fell at home to Carolina University (NC), 67-61 on Wednesday night marking their first loss of the season and bringing their record to 2-1.
Senior guard Kendall Brasfield led the Koalas with 15 points adding 4 rebounds and 3 steals to his stat line. Junior wing Thomas Whitley followed closely with 10 points, 6 rebounds and a block, while junior guard AJ Vaught contributed 10 points, 3 assists and 2 steals as he shot an efficient 5 of 10 from the field.
The Koalas got off to a strong start, forcing early turnovers and taking a 6-0 lead. However, the Bruins battled back seizing an 18-17 lead midway through the first half. The Koalas managed to regain control going up 31-27, only for Carolina to end the half on a 6-0 run putting the Koalas behind 33-31 at the break.
In the second half, the Koals again fought their way to lead 43-36, but the Bruins (1-2) responded with a 14-2 run to take a 50-45 edge. Despite the Koalas' continued resilience, they could not close the gap, even climbing to within four points at 62-58, but missed free throws and shots down the stretch swung the momentum the other way.
Junior wing Chandler O'Bannon had an all-around night as well scoring 6 points with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals and two blocks while junior center James Munlyn provided a lift off the bench adding 6 points on perfect shooting in just 11 minutes, along with an assist. Junior forward Nakia Johnson recorded 8 points and 8 rebounds as well.
The Koalas will continue their season-opening homestand for their next matchup against Voorhees University next Wednesday at 7:00 pm.