Lady Koalas' Historic Season Comes to a Close in loss to #1 Milligan

KINGSPORT, TN - The Columbia College women's basketball team's historic 19-win season came to a close Thursday morning as the 8th seeded Koalas fell 86-59 to No. 1 seed Milligan University in the Quarterfinals of the 2025 WinWon Appalachian Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Tournament at the MeadowView Marriott Convention Center in Kingsport, Tenn.

The Koalas, led by head coach Najarius "JJ" Green, finish their best season in school history at 19-12 overall and with 11 conference wins. Milligan (22-7) advances to Friday's semifinals where they will face #4 Pikeville.

Columbia was led by 21 points from senior forward Tamyra Davis as she knocked down three 3-pointers along with 4 rebounds and a steal. Junior all-conference defender Makayla Street also finished in double-figures with 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals.

Sophomore second team AAC guard Tysonia Lowe recorded 9 points on 4 of 6 shooting with a team-best 7 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal while fellow starting guard Layla Wall posted 6 assists, 7 rebounds, 4 points and a block. Sophomore wing Jadein Haynes added 6 points and 4 rebounds off the bench as well. Columbia shot 31.5% for the game but made just 5 threes shooting 26 percent while going 14 of 20 from the free-throw line.

A back and forth first quarter saw MU pull away late to lead 20-12 before they erupted for 36 points in the second quarter to lead 56-25 at halftime. Columbia then played much better defense in the third quarter and second half as a whole holding the Lady Buffs to only 12 points in the third and just 30 points overall while out-scoring them in each quarter to win the half 34-30.