Koala Men Fall Just Short at CIU

COLUMBIA, SC - The Columbia College men's basketball team put up a valiant effort on Tuesday night on the road but ultimately came up short against crosstown rival CIU falling 78-71.

The Koalas were led by senior guard Kendall Brasfield as he scored 22 points with 2 assists and a steal while fellow junior guard Tae Burton scored 12 points off the bench with 3 rebounds, 3 assists and three 3-pointers.

Junior forward Nakia Johnson led CC with 12 rebounds and a block while fellow junior forward Chandler O'Bannon posted 8 points and 8 rebounds with 2 steals and 2 blocks. Junior wing Thomas Whitley also recorded 9 points on three 3-pointers with 4 rebounds and a steal.

A tight first half saw CIU take a 6-point 43-37 lead at the break. Columbia would then rally in the second half taking their first lead at 51-50 with under 11 monutes to play. However, CIU would then build their lead back up to 10 and hang on for the win.

Shooting guards, senior Alvaro Mendez and sophmore Austin Harrell also combined for 12 points with Harrell adding two assists off the bench.

The Koalas fall to 6-4 overall and 2-3 in the AAC while CIU imprved to 7-1 overall and 4-1 in conference.

Columbia returns to action next Tuesday when they head to NC to battle Carolina University in a 7PM rematch.