Koala Men Fall on the Road at Bluefield

BLUEFIELD, Va. - The Columbia College men's basketball team fell 84-66 on the road at Bluefield University in AAC action on Saturday from Virginia.

A competitive first half saw the Koalas jump out to a quick 9-3 lead before the Rams went on a run to lead 17-12 and eventually go up by six, 29-23. CC then closed the half on a 9-4 run to trail by just one at the break, 33-32.

In the second half, Columbia would remain within two points at 47-49 with under 13 minutes to play before BU went on a 14-4 run to lead by 12 at the halfway mark of the second half. Columbia, unfortunately, could get no closer than 11 the rest of the way falling to a hot-shooting Bluefield squad at the Dome Gymnasium in the mountains of Virginia.

Columbia shot just 36 percent overall and only 27 percent from three while BU shot an impressive 52.5% overall and over 47 percent from three knocking down 11 threes.

Senior forward Nakia Johnson led the Koalas with a double double of 12 points and 10 rebounds and a block while senior wing Thomas Whitley finished with 10 points, two assists, a steal and a block. Senior guard Alileyon Ford also finished with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals on the day while junior guard Austin Harrell recorded 9 points and a team-best five assists.

Sophomore forward Zach Smith also scored six points with 3 rebounds and a steal while junior guard Norman Haynes tallied six points off the bench. Forwards Chandler O'Bannon and Jamison McKenzie also combined for 8 points and 5 rebounds and 2 assists from O'Bannon.

CC falls to 3-4 overall and 1-1 in the AAC while BU improves to 1-3 and 1-1 in the conference.

The Koalas will next have a week off before traveling to Tennessee to battle Johnson University next Saturday at 4:00 pm.