Brenau Claws Back and Escapes Behind Two Late Free Throws, 73-71

Payton Brookover looks for room on the baseline during Wednesday nights game against Brenau. (Photos by Bob Stoner)

COLUMBIA, SC- Columbia College Women's Basketball returned home Wednesday night to take on the Brenau Golden Tigers in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play.

Despite the Koalas leading the entire first half and building a nine-point advantage, Brenau clawed their way back and eventually escaped with a 73-71 victory thanks to two free throws in the waning seconds.

THE BASICS:

Columbia falls to 9-11 overall and 6-9 in the AAC, while Brenau improves to 8-8 overall and 6-7 in conference action.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

With 5:01 to play in the fourth quarter, the Koalas were led by two (62-60), forcing the guests to take a thirty-second timeout. After the timeout, the two sides exchanged baskets, with the Koalas failing to pull away by more than three.

After weathering the final storm, Brenau locked in on defense, forcing three straight missed jump shots while converting on a massive jumper from Kayla Stafford on their floor.

With the score deadlocked at 71, Brenau inbounded the ball in front of their bench after a timeout; a quick whistle was called, sending the Tigers to the line for two thanks to the Koalas having already committed five team fouls. Nyla Moore converted on both freebies, while Anaya Muhammads's winner came up just short for Columbia on the other end of the court.

The game featured three technical fouls, one on each bench and another on the Koalas for a flopping violation.

Neither side shot well from the charity stripe as the Koalas hit on 18-33 chances while Brenau converted 15-27, none more significant than the final two.

UP NEXT:

Columbia will remain home to take on Montreat on Saturday; game time is 2 p.m.