Koala Men Fall to Oakland City at "The Show"

KINGSPORT, Tenn. - The Columbia College men's basketball team competed at the annual Thanksgiving tournament, "The Show" at Kingsport, TN in the MeadowView Conference Center & Resort Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, they fell in their first game to NAIA foe, Oakland City University (IN) 75-53.

OCU got out to a big lead in the first half en route to a 39-21 halftime advantage. CC got to within 14 points five minutes into the second half at 31-45 but could get no closer the rest of the way as Oakland led the second half 36-32.

Columbia shot 34% overall but just 29.5% from three while OCU shot 42.5% and 44% from three. The Koalas out-rebounded the Oaks 45-44 led by nine boards and four blocks from junior wing Chandler O'Bannon. He also had a steal, assist and 4 points while senior guard Tae Burton led the team with 17 points along with 7 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.

Senior guard Alileyon Ford followed with 8 points off the bench while guard Jaylin McDuffie and forward Zach Smith combined for 10 points as well. Senior wing Thomas Whitley also posted 5 points and 5 rebounds with a steal and a block. Z. Smith also added 3 blocks and 3 rebounds in the loss.

The Koalas fell to 3-7 overall while Oakland improved to 2-4. The Koalas will next be right back in action on Saturday when they take on #5 ranked Freed-Hardeman University (TN) from Kingsport for a 12:45 pm tip.