Koala Men's Hoops Battles Coastal Georgia Tough, but Falls on Road

BRUNSWICK, Ga. - The Columbia College men's basketball team battled non-conference NAIA foe Coastal Georgia College on the road Wednesday evening but came away with a 71-64 defeat.

Columbia got out to a 20-13 lead in the first half before going up 36-24 with 3 minutes to play for their biggest lead of the night. However, CCGA finished the half on an 8-2 run to trail 38-32 at halftime. The Koalas would then go back up by 8 at 48-40 at the 14 minute mark.

Unfortunately, CCGA then rallied in the second half taking the lead 59-57 at the 6:45 minute mark with a 19-9 run.The Mariners would then increase their lead to six down the stretch while CC could get no closer than four points in the tough defeat. 

CCGA shot 41 percent overall and 44 percent from three while Columbia shot 42 percent from the floor but just 18 percent from behind the 3-point arc making just four treys. The Koalas outrebounded the Mariners 32-28 as well while also making 8 of 9 free throws (89%).

Columbia was led by a terrific game of 15 points and 7 rebounds from freshman forward Jamison McKenzie as he also added 3 assists and a block in 25 minutes off the bench.

Senior wing Thomas Whitley just missed recording a double-double as he posted 12 points and 9 rebounds with 2 assists, 2 steals and two blocks. Junior wing Chandler O'Bannon was the third member of CC to finish in double figures scoring 11 points with 6 rebounds.

Also playing well was sophomore forward Zach Smith as he chipped in 8 points and 2 assists off the bench while junior guard Austin Harrell tallied 9 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals.

The Koalas fall to 3-9 on the season with the loss while CCGA improves to 5-6. Columbia will now return home on Saturday to host AAC foe Reinhardt University with a new tip-off time of 4:30 pm.