Koala Men's Rally Falls Short in 81-78 loss to Bryan

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College men's basketball team made a valiant rally before falling 81-78 at home to AAC foe Bryan College (TN) on Saturday from the Godbold Center.

Columbia got out to a strong 22-16 lead in the first half at the 11-minute mark before BC made a run to take a 5-point lead at the break at 41-36. In the second half, Bryan would go up by as much as 8 points at 59-51 at the 10-minute mark before the Koalas would come back to take a 63-62 lead at the 6 minute mark finishing off an 11-3 run.

However, Bryan would knock down their free throws going down the stretch at one point increasing their lead to eight again at 77-69 with 1:30 to play. Three consecutive 3-pointers from the Koalas pulled CC to within one at 79-78 with 14 seconds to play but could not find the tying shot. Bryan shot 49 percent overall and nearly 48 percent from three.

The Koalas were led by a career night from junior wing Chandler O'Bannon as he tallied a career-best 23 points on 6 of 9 shooting with 4 rebounds, 3 steals and an assist. The Koalas shot 40 percent overall and 33 percent from three while going 27 of 30 from the free-throw line (90%).

Senior guard Tae Burton also finished with 14 points and 7 assists while junior guard Austin Harrell had 11 points and 4 assists. Senior wing Thomas Whitley recorded 11 points as well while freshmen forwards Jamison McKenzie and Zach Smith combined for 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. Guards Alileyon Ford and Jordyn McKeen also combined for 8 points and six rebounds while McKeen had three assists as well.

Bryan improves to 5-8 overall and 4-4 in the conference with the win while the Koalas fall to 4-11 and 2-5 in conference.

Columbia will next be in action after Christmas when they battle NCAA Div. I foes, UNC Wilmington and Georgia State on the road in exhibition games, Dec. 27-28 before going on the road to face Carolina University on Dec. 31.