McPherson, Kan. – The Columbia College men's basketball team dropped its road opener to McPherson (Kan.) on Friday night. The Cougars are now 1-1 on the season, while McPherson improves to 1-0 on the young season.  

CC led by as many as nine points in the first half, and they shot 46.8-percent from the field (15-32).

The Cougars came out strong in the second half, increasing their lead to 15 after a three-pointer from Tony Burks. The Bulldogs would hang around and start chipping away at the Cougar lead. With 11:58 left, the Cougars held a slight 54-51 lead. CC used a 12-3 run to push the lead back to double digits (66-54) but again could not put McPherson away. The Bulldogs tied the game at 69-69 with 3:24 left and took their first, second-half lead at 72-71 with 1:54 on the clock. The Bulldogs would hold on to the lead and earn the win.

Key Moment:
Jason Okoro of Bethel converted an old-fashion three-point play to give the Bulldogs the lead with 1:54 remaining.

By the Numbers:
5 – Cougars scored in double figures
28-18 – CC held a significant advantage in bench points
52-25 – CC dominated in the paint

Columbia College Leaders:
Scoring Leader – Carson Parker (16)
Rebounding Leader – Chima Oduocha (12)
Assist Leader – Collin Parker (3)
Steals Leader – Tony Burks (2)

McPherson Leaders:
Scoring Leader – Travon Gibson (21)
Rebounding Leader – Ben Pyle (8)
Assist Leader – Ben Pyle / Josh Rivers (4)
Steals Leader – Ben Pyle (2)

Up Next:
CC is back in action on Saturday, Oct. 30, as they take on Bethel (Kan.) at 4:00 PM in McPherson, Kan.