Pioneers Fight Hard in Columbia, Fall 72–59 to Koalas

COLUMBIA, SC - Host Columbia (S.C.) led for 37 of the 40 minutes in its matchup against Spartanburg Methodist College men's basketball, securing a 72–59 win Wednesday night.

Spartanburg Methodist College (3–14, 1–9 AAC) had three players in double figures. Kennedy Aiken-Shannon scored a team-high 15 points, including three three-pointers. CJ Terrell recorded another double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Calvin Brown added 13 points.

Columbia (S.C.) improved to 8–11 overall and 5–11 in the AAC, putting four players in double figures. Tae Burton led the Koalas with a game-high 20 points, followed by Chandler O'Bannon with 17, and Allieyon Ford and Zach Smith with 10 each.

The Koalas took the lead for good on a Thomas Whitley layup with 16:51 remaining in the first half, opening a 4–2 advantage. SMC later cut the deficit to two, 44–42, with 12:30 left on a steal and dunk by Kelton Teasley. Columbia responded by scoring the next 10 points to extend its lead.

Late in the game, SMC again narrowed the margin to four, 63–59, when Aiken-Shannon hit a three-pointer with 2:50 remaining. However, the Koalas held the Pioneers scoreless for the remainder of the game while scoring the final nine points to secure the victory.

Next, SMC returns home to face Union Commonwealth on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 4 p.m. at Bridges Arena.

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