Koala Men Fall in Crosstown Rivalry to CIU

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College men's basketball team fell 103-82 just down the road at rival CIU Tuesday evening.

CIU got out to a big lead in the first half en route to a 56-36 advantage at the break. However, the Koalas could only get to within 18 points in the second half. Although, the half, as a whole, was much more competitive with CIU barely outscoring the Koalas 47-46.

The Rams shot an impressive 58 percent overall and 55 percent from three while the Koalas shot 41 percent from the floor and 35 percent from behind the three point arc. The Koalas did shoot a quality 86 percent from the free-throw line (25 of 29). Columbia grabbed 7 steals and 2 blocks off 13 CIU turnovers while forcing CIU into committing 22 fouls.

Columbia was led by senior guard Tae Burton's 15 points, four rebounds, and two assists while senior wing Thomas Whitley added 15 points on 6 of 10 shooting and 6 rebounds off the bench.

Senior forward Nakia Johnson scored 10 points with five rebounds and two blocks while junior wing Chandler O'Bannon chipped in a team-best 16 points with four rebounds and two steals. Point guard Caleb Brown also led with a team-high six assists and six rebounds with three points while junior guard Austin Harrell and sophomore forward Zach Smith combined for 14 points in the loss.

The Koalas fall to 3-6 overall and 1-3 in the AAC while CIU improved to 6-4 and 2-2 in the conference.

Columbia will next head to Kingsport, TN this holiday weekend to compete in "The Show" against NAIA non-conference foes. Columbia will first face Oakland City University (IN) on Friday at 3:30 pm from the MeadowView Conference Resort before facing their stiffest challenge of the season against 5th ranked and 9-1 Freed-Hardeman University (TN) on Saturday at 12:45 PM.