Columbia Men Drop Battle with #5 Freed-Hardeman

KINGSPORT, Tenn. - The Columbia College men's basketball team finished their weekend at the annual Thanksgiving tournament, "The Show" at Kingsport, TN in the MeadowView Conference Center & Resort Saturday afternoon. The Koalas, though, faced their toughest test of the season as they fell 86-51 to the 5th ranked team in the NAIA, Freed-Hardeman University (TN).

No. 5 FHU got out to a big lead in the first half en route to a 40-21 halftime advantage. CC got to within 16 points in the second half at 42-26 as they finished off an 18-12 run but, unfortunately, could get no closer the rest of the way as the Lions controlled the second half 46-30 for their 11th win of the season.

Columbia shot 35.5% overall and 30% from three as they knocked down nine 3-pointers. FHU shot 47 percent overall while also making nine threes but made 14 more baskets overall than the Koalas.

Senior guard Tae Burton led Columbia with 9 points, 2 assists and 2 steals while senior wing Thomas Whitley added 6 points and 5 rebounds with two steals and two blocks. Junior wing Chandler O'Bannon also chipped in four points with five rebounds and three assists.

Senior center James Munlyn then added a season-best 8 points off the bench with 2 rebounds and a block while freshman forward Jamison McKenzie posted 7 points with 2 rebounds, an assist and a steal. Sophomore forward Zach Smith recorded 3 points and 4 rebounds as well.