Koala Men Hold Off Carolina in Overtime

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College Men's Basketball team remained undefeated to start the season by holding off Carolina University (N.C.) 85-83 in an overtime thriller from a sold out Godbold Center.

The Koalas improve to 2-0 on the young season and will next remain home to host Point University on Saturday at 4:00 pm.

Columbia put five players in double-figure scoring on the night led by 15 points, three treys and five assists from junior guard Austin Harrell. Senior forward Nakia Johnson played stellar as well, notching 13 points and 10 rebounds along with four blocks for a double-double.

Also scoring in double digits was senior wing Thomas Whitley with 10 points, five boards nd 3 assists before fouling out late in the second half. Senior guard Tae Burton finished with 13 points, 2 assists and a steal including some clutch jumpers down the stretch while junior guard Alileyon Ford tallied an impressive 14 points off the bench with 7 rebounds and 2 big late steals.

The Koalas outscored the Bruins 34-27 in the first half before extending their lead to 12 points midway through the second half at 47-35 with 13 minutes to play. However, CU trimmed CC's lead down methodically before taking their first lead of the game at 59-58 with 4:45 to play. Free throws from CU pushed the game to overtime knotted at 70 apiece.

The Koalas then ousted the Bruins 15-13 in the extra period as Harrell's massive three-pointer with 45 seconds remaining gave the Koalas the lead for good at 82-79. Clutch free throws from sophomore forward Zach Smith helped CC cement the game down the stretch in OT.

Junior wing Chandler O'Bannon also played well before fouling out finishing with 9 points, 3 boards and a block while Smith chipped in 7 points as CC shot 48 percent overall for the game while out-rebounding the Bruins 44-36.