CIU Men Pull Away to Oust Koalas

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College men's hoops team fell 81-64 at home to crosstown rival CIU from Porter Gymnasium Wednesday evening.

Columbia stayed compeptitive over the first 10 minutes getting out to a 17-15 lead but CIU then stifled the Koalas over the remainder of the half to take a 41-22 halftime edge including holding CC scoreless over the final five plus minutes. The second half saw CIU extend their lead out to 27 points at the 11-minute mark and then led 77-47 with 5 minutes to play before Columbia would go on a scoring run to close the game. CC ended the matchup on a 17-4 run but ultimately it was too little too late as they fell by 17 points in the end.

Columbia shot just 33% overall and 24 percent from three while forcing CIU into 15 turnovers. CIU shot over 50 percent overall along with 7 threes.

CC was led by junior point guard AJ Vaught's 17 points and 3 assists while junior wing Thomas Whitley posted 8 points and 3 rebounds. Guards Norman Haynes, Tae Burton, and Mac Washington also combined for 16 points and 6 rebounds off the bench while Washington also added 3 steals and an assist. Senior guard Alvaro Mendez led with 6 rebounds along with 4 points and 2 assists while junior forward Nakia Johnson added 6 points.

The Koalas drop back to .500 at 13-13 overall and 6-12 in the conference while CIU improves to 18-4 and 13-4 in the AAC.

Columbia will next head back on the road to TN to battle Tenn. Wesleyan on Saturday at 4:00 pm.