Men's Basketball Opens Season with Win on Homecoming

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College Men's Basketball team closed out Homecoming 2025 by holding off Mid Atlantic Christian University (N.C.) 79-73 for their season-opening win on Saturday evening from the Godbold Center.

Both teams came out cold shooting in the first half as they looked to find their rhythm in the season opener for both squads. Columbia would take their biggest lead of the half into the intermission leading 31-24 after shooting 38% in the half but just 15.5% from three.

The Koalas came out on fire in the second half running their advantage to 15 points at 41-26 with a 10-2 run. CC held their biggest lead of the game at 16 points going up 44-28 at the 15 minute media timeout. MACU would cut it to five at one point midway through the half before CC stretched it back out to 12 with under four minutes to play. MACU could get no closer than five points the rest of the way as the Koalas made their free throws down the stretch to hold off the Mustangs.

Junior point guard Austin Harrell led the Koalas with 12 points and six assists on 3 of 6 shooting along with 3 steals while senior wing Thomas Whitley also finished in double-figures with 10 points and 5 rebounds along with five assists, a steal, and a block. Senior forward Chandler O'Bannon had a solid all around game as well with 7 points, 7 rebounds, five assists and a block while fellow senior forward Nakia Johnson had 9 points, 6 rebounds and a steal.

Guard Tae Burton posted 9 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist as well while fellow guard, Jordyn McKeen played a terrific second half making 6 of 7 free throws to finish with 8 points and a steal. Forwards Zach Smith and Jamison McKenzie also combined for 18 points on 8 of 13 shooting with 3 rebounds while McKenzie added 3 steals.

Columbia shot 46.5 % for the game overall and nearly 30 percent from three-point range while shooting a quality 77 percent from the free-throw line. MACU shot 48.5% overall but only 25% from long-range and just 55.5% from the free throw line.

The Koalas, now 1-0, will next remain home to host Carolina University (N.C.) on Wednesday at 7:30 pm as they continue their five-game homestand to open the 2025-26 season.

Austin Harrell pictured below...courtesy of Crush Rush Photos