Lady Koalas Fall at home to Rio Grande

COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Columbia College women's basketball team fell 94-70 at home to non-conference NAIA foe Rio Grande University (OH) Thursday evening.

The powerful Red Storm offense shot 47.5% from the floor and 37 percent from three while making 36 buckets to the Koalas' 26. Columbia shot just 36% overall and only 16% from three but was impressive from the free-throw line going 15 of 17 (88%).

Rio (1-0) got out to a quick 12-2 lead on the Koalas before an 8-0 run saw CC trim their lead down to two points at 12-10. URG would take a 25-16 lead after one quarter. An 18-16 Rio second quarter saw the Red Storm hold a 43-32 halftime edge over the Lady Koalas.

CC could then get no closer than nine points in the third as RIO won the quarter 23-17 before also taking the fourth 28-21 for the 24-point win. CC only got to within 13 points in the final quarter. Columbia out-rebounded Rio 48-44 as well.

Columbia was led by three ladies in double-figures led by junior guard Tysonia Lowe scoring 12 points with 5 assists and 3 steals on 5 of 8 shooting while senior forward De'Asia Feaster fell one rebound short of a double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Junior guard Anaya Muhammad finished with 10 points as well.

Also playing well was junior forward Ronni Harper finishing with 7 rebounds, a block and an assist while fellow junior forward Shandrea Pringle finished with 5 points, 2 rebounds and a block.

The Koalas fall to 0-2 on the season and will next remain home to host NAIA foe Point University on Saturday at 2:30 pm.