Posted: Jan 23, 2025
Koala Men Fall Short 76-73 vs Truett
Truett McConnell
(8-9, 5-6)
76
Columbia (SC)
(10-10, 3-9)
73
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Truett McConnell (8-9, 5-6) | 35 | 41 | 76 |
|
Columbia (SC) (10-10, 3-9) | 36 | 37 | 73 |
COLUMBIA, SC - The Columbia College men's basketball fell just short 76-73 at home against the Truett-McConnell University Bears Wednesday night in Columbia.
Columbia was led by 22 points and 3 assists from senior guard Kendall Brasfield on 8 of 13 shooting while junior forward Nakia Johnson recorded his second straight double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 blocks.
Junior forward Chandler O'Bannon also finished in double-figure scoring with 11 points and 5 rebounds while senior guard Alvaro Mendez picked up 11 points, 4 assists and 2 steals off the bench as he provided energy and a spark for the offense.
CC shot 45.5% overall but just 18 percent from 3-point range but still got out to a terrific start in the first half to lead 22-10 within the opening 10 minutes. CC would still lead by 10 with 6 minutes to play before TMU closed the half on a 17-8 run as CC led by just one at the break.
In the second half, Truett would come out and take a 7-point lead at 51-44 with under 15 minutes to play. Columbia would fight back, though, and go on a 16-7 run to take a 60-58 lead with 7:30 to play. TMU would again build out their lead to seven points at 71-64 with 2:20 to play. The Koalas would then claw back to within one point at 72-73 with 18 seconds to play. However, they could get no closer in the end.
The Koalas fall to 10-10 overall and 3-9 in the AAC while Truett goes to 8-9 and 5-6 in conference.
Columbia will next head west to Reinhardt in Georgia to battle the Eagles on Saturday for a 3:00 tip.