Men Fall on the Road at #13 Pikeville

PIKEVILLE, KY - The Columbia College Men's basketball team fell 73-54 on the road at #13 University of Pikeville (Ky.) on Saturday afternoon in Kentucky.

The Bears got off to a 36-28 halftime lead as the Koalas were within five points late in the half. In the second half, UP extended their lead to 17 points at the 16-minute mark before CC went on a 16-7 run to get within 8 points at 56-48 with 9:30 to play. However, CC could not get within single digits again for the remainder of the game.

Columbia shot 37.5% overall but just 15 percent from three while UPike shot 39% overall and knocked down 10 threes.

Senior guard Thomas Whitley led the Koalas with 14 points and 2 threes with 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals and an assist while redshirt freshman forward Zach Smith recorded 16 points and 4 rebounds on 7 of 9 shooting.

Senior guard Alileyon Ford also scored 8 points with 5 rebounds and a steal off the bench while junior wing Chandler O'Bannon totaled 10 reobunds with 6 points, 3 blocks, and an assist. Guards Austin Harrell and Jordyn McKeen also combined for 6 points with McKeen adding 3 assists.

Columbia drops to 11-13 overall and 8-7 in the conference while #13 Pikeville improves to 19-3 overall and 12-1 in the league to remain in first place. The Koalas next return home to host Johnson University (TN) on Wednesday evening at 8:00 pm.