Lady Koalas Rally Falls Short in Season Opener

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College Women's basketball team fell just short 76-66 in their season and home opener on Wednesday evening against Div. II North Greenville University (S.C.) from the sold out Godbold Center.

NGU took a slim 16-15 lead after the first quarter before outscoring the Koalas 18-11 in the second quarter to go up 34-26 at halftime. Columbia came out on a 6-0 run to trim NGU's down to two points at 32-34. However, NGU then went on a 17-2 run to increase their lead up to 17 at 51-34 with 3 minutes to go in the third. Columbia finished the quarter on a 16-6 run to get to within 7 at the end of three.

The Koalas then crawled to within five points in the fourth quarter trailing 69-64 with 2:30 to play. However, NGU closed out the game down the stretch for the win. NGU shot 48 percent overall from the floor and 47 percent from three while the Koalas shot 40.5 % but made just two threes.

Guard Anaya Muhammad led the Koalas with 12 points, 3 steals and 2 assists while guard Jala Hutchins also recorded 12 points off the bench with two steals. Forward Natalie Pitts finished in double figures as well with 10 points and five rebounds. Guards Tameah Gaddis and Krislyn Wilder also combined for 13 points with Wilder adding two steals while CeCe Burke and Sunshine Lowe combined for 10 points with Lowe adding four rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.

Columbia will next remain home to host Rio Grande, Ohio University next Thursday at 5:30 pm.