Columbia, Mo. – Today the Columbia College men's basketball team hosted the Hannibal-LaGrange University Trojans in an AMC matchup. The Cougars were looking to avenge a two point loss to the Trojans that came back on January 22nd at Hannibal and they were able to do just that as they came out victorious 72-67. Columbia is now 13-12 on the season and 8-10 in conference play.
The Trojans took a quick 4-0 lead in the first minute of the game to get things rolling. The Cougars were trying to find themselves as they trailed 7-2 about four minutes in. Desmond Funches knocked down a three to get within two. As Columbia went down 13-6, they called for a timeout around the 14 minute mark. The Cougars were struggling to find a rhythm as they trailed 24-11 with 10 minutes to go before the break. Columbia was applying some full court pressure in an attempt to slow the Trojans down. The Cougars got back within single digits on a strong finish at the rim from Darrick Ellis, making it 24-15. Columbia's run continued as the Trojans had only scored one point since the 10:30 mark and the Cougars were down by two, 25-23 with under four to go. Columbia's confidence was building as they were able to dig themselves out of the hole the Trojans put them in early. After a messy start for the Cougars they bounced back and trailed 34-32 at halftime. Columbia shot 88 percent from the line in the half.
Columbia tied up the game right out of the gates in the second half and caused a Trojan turnover on their first possession. Over the first seven minutes, the score was kept very tight, the Cougars were up one, 42-41. A Columbia three put the Cougars up 45-41 and Trojan timeout was called. Energy was on Columbia's side as they continued to be explosive on the offensive end. The Cougars took a 10 point lead, 57-47, with under 10 minutes to play in a very physical game. Working to keep momentum on their side, Columbia called a timeout, up 61-53, with about eight and a half minutes remaining. Not much scoring happened over the next few minutes, but the Trojans managed to cut the score to five points as they called a quick time. With three minutes left, the Cougars held a two point advantage, 65-63. Columbia hit two free throws to take a four point lead with under a minute to play. Trojans called timeout with 37.8 on the clock and the Cougars up 69-65. The Trojans were able to grab a bucket on their next possession making it a two point game with 22 seconds left and another timeout called. However, Columbia was able to overcome the adversity that today's game threw at them and were victorious 72-67.
Four Cougars were in double-digits in the comeback win today. Adam Mennemeyer had 15 points, going 3-6 from three, along with seven boards and two assists, Jalen Olds recorded 14 points and four rebounds, Braden Wendel chipped in 10 points and four rebounds, and Justin Shaw also had 10 points and five boards. Darrick Ellis brought down a career-high 10 rebounds, while Thibault Benabid also grabbed a career-high 14 rebounds in the contest.
The men's basketball team travels to Parkville, Missouri on Tuesday, February 12th to take on the Park University Pirates in an AMC contest. The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m.
