Box Score Henderson, Tenn. – The Columbia College men's basketball team was back in action this afternoon when they traveled to Henderson, Tennessee, to take on the Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University Lions in an AMC matchup. The Cougars, who came into this game on a three game losing streak, were able to get back on the right track as they were able to defeat the Lions in a come from behind by a final score of 68-65 to improve to 6-5 on the season and 3-3 in the AMC.
The Cougars came out in the first half and had a tough time getting anything going to start the game as they allowed the Lions to jump out to an early 6-0 lead. Columbia College answered by scoring the next three points to cut the score in half but an 8-0 run from the Lions gave them a 14-3 lead with just over 15 minutes to play in the half. Freed-Hardeman continued to push the tempo as the period progressed and extended their lead to 15 midway through the half. The Cougars did their best to cut into the lead before halftime but were unable to gain any ground as the Lions took a 45-25 lead into the halftime break. Desmond Funches and Braden Wendel each had a team high seven points in the half.
In the second half of the game, the Cougars came out and went on a 10-2 run to start the period to cut the Lions lead to 47-35. They played tough defense as the half progressed and were able to cut the lead to 49-54 midway through the period. Columbia College battled all the way back and tied the score at 54 with 7:38 left to play and then took their first lead of the game a minute later following a three pointer from Justin Shaw. The score remained close for the rest of the game but with the score tied at 63, the Cougars were able to end the game on a 5-2 run to pick up their first win in four games with a 68-65 victory.
Desmond Funches led the way for Columbia College as he finished with a team high 15 points in the contest. In addition to Funches, Braden Wendel finished with 11 points and Jalen Olds pulled down a team high seven rebounds to round out the top performers for the Cougars.
The mens basketball team will return to the court on Monday, December 31st when they play host to Central Christian College of the Bible in a nonconference matchup. The game is set to start at 2 p.m. in the Southwell Athletic Complex.
