Henderson, Tenn. – The 7^th- ranked Columbia College men's basketball squad took another tough loss on the road tonight, falling to Freed-Hardeman University 65-58 in overtime. With the loss, the Cougars fall to 9-2 on the season and 2-2 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play while the Lions improve to 8-1 overall and 4-0 in league play with the victory.

Both teams battled back-and-forth throughout the first half, as the lead changed hands four different times. The Cougars were able to take the seven point advantage into the halftime break outscoring the Lions 8-2 over the last 3:20.

Freed-Hardeman quickly cut the deficit with the help of a 13-0 run to open the second half as Columbia was held scoreless in the first eight minutes. The Cougars found some momentum as they went on a 9-2 run to take a one-point lead at the 9:30 mark. The lead changed six more times throughout the remainder of regulation. The Cougars trailed 50-49 with 35 seconds left on the clock, when Malik Ray drew a foul and made both baskets to give Columbia the 51-50 advantage. The Lions missed a drive to the basket, but a Columbia foul on the rebound sent Vincent Dotson to the line where he made one-of-two free throws to tie the game at 51-51 with 7.3 seconds on the clock. Tanner Sutton threw up a shot for the chance to win, but it hit the back of the rim and the game went into overtime.

In overtime, the lead changed five different times. The Cougars trailed just 56-55 at one point but the Lions stretched their lead to six points with one minute to play. Jeremy Nolen cut the lead in half as he hit a 3-pointer, followed by two Freed-Hardeman turnovers which gave the Cougars the chance to force a second overtime. With five seconds remaining, Sutton put up a desperation shot but it spun out. Two Columbia fouls would send Freed-Hardeman to the line to secure the victory.

Ray led the Cougars with 12 points and six rebounds while Travis Vogt added nine points. Chantel Stanciel, Nic Reynolds, and John Meyer all finished with eight points. Stanciel also handed out a game-high four assists and pulled down six rebounds.

Ben Meis led all scorers with 20 points for Freed-Hardeman.

The Cougars will return to the court Thursday, December 18^th when they host Benedictine College. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at the Arena of Southwell Complex.