Posted: Nov 15, 2024
Koala Men Hold Off Bluefield, Improve to 6-1
Columbia (SC)
(6-1, 2-0)
79
Bluefield (VA)
(0-4, 0-2)
69
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Columbia (SC) (6-1, 2-0) | 42 | 37 | 79 |
|
Bluefield (VA) (0-4, 0-2) | 29 | 40 | 69 |
BLUEFIELD, Va. – The Columbia College men's basketball team made history on Friday night, earning their first-ever road conference victory with a 79-69 win at Bluefield University (Va.). The Koalas improved their overall record to 6-1, including a 2-0 record in AAC play, while extending their winning streak to four games.
The Koalas came out firing, building a 16-5 lead midway through the first half after a three-pointer by junior guard Tae Burton forced the Rams to call an early timeout. Although Bluefield (0-4, 0-2 AAC) battled back to cut the deficit to 26-21 with seven minutes remaining, Columbia responded with a 16-8 run, heading into halftime with a 42-29 advantage.
Columbia carried their momentum into the second half, starting with a strong old-fashioned three-point play from senior guard Kendall Brasfield, who converted the free throw for the "AND-1" to stretch the lead to 45-29. The Rams crawled their way back into the game, getting to within four at 56-52 with 10 minutes to play, but could get no closer the rest of the way
Columbia would cap an 8-2 run after a dime from junior wing Thomas Whitley to a cutting guard in AJ Vaught who finished in the lane for two, extending the lead to 64-54. From there, Columbia maintained their composure and controlled the game until the final buzzer to secure the victory.
The Koalas shot 47% from the field, led by Brasfield's standout performance of 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. Burton contributed 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists off the bench, while junior forward Nakia Johnson added 13 points, 4 rebounds, and a block. Vaught and fellow guard Austin Harrell combined for 16 points, with Vaught dishing out an impressive 7 assists as well. Junior forward Chandler O'Bannon also made a significant impact, pulling down a season-high and team-best 13 rebounds.
Columbia will continue their AAC conference play whey go back on the road to face Milligan University (TN) on Wednesday night at 7:30 PM.
Pictured below: Nakia Johnson blocking a shot, courtesy of Bob Stoner
