Columbia Basketball Pulls Big Conference Upset

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College basketball team pulled a big conference upset today as they defeated the Tennessee Wesleyan Lady Bulldogs 68-55 at home in Porter Gymnasium.

Tennessee Wesleyan comfortable in the third spot in the AAC  wasn't prepared for the Fighting Koalas fast paced offensive on the day. Columbia forced the Lady Bulldogs into early foul trouble in the first half which resulted in an early lead at the end of the first half for Columbia 33-21.

The Fighting Koalas man defense and offensive rebounds contributed to their success today and gave the Fighting Koalas ample opportunity to capitilze from the free throw line. Leading scorers for Columbia were senior, Nikki Craig and newcomer Deidre Price. Craig posted 19 points on the day and Price recorded a double-double leading the rebound count for Columbia with 10 and finished the game with 11 points.

Head Coach Maria Audas commented about the exciting win, "Definately a team win and it began and ended with defense." Defense was the reason Tennessee Wesleyan struggled creating offense and seemed to play in shock most of the first half. This pushes Columbia's conference record to 2-3 and gives Columbia their 5th win of the season. Columbia now looks ahead to other AAC conference powerhouses Milligan and Union.