SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The 2024-25 (RV) Columbia College men's basketball squad tipped off their season this evening in an away contest against Evangel University (Mo.). The Cougars fell to the Valor, 99-95. This also marked the first-ever men's basketball game to be played at AGFinancial Arena.

The Cougars sit at 0-1 on the season.

Columbia's offensive efforts began with an early 7-0 run, taking a 10-3 advantage just a minute and a half into the game.

Evangel then responded with an 8-0 run themselves, taking a 13-12 edge.

The Cougars and Valor stayed competitive throughout the remainder of the half, as Columbia took a 45-41 lead into the locker room.

Going into the half, the Cougars went 51.6 percent (16-31) from the field and 42.9 percent (6-14) from three.

Collin Parker, Seth Larson, and Beau Washer brought down four rebounds apiece, while Seth Larson led the Cougars with 11 points.

Collin Parker made the first six points of the second half, giving Columbia a 51-43 advantage.

The Cougars took their largest lead of the game of eight with 15:57 remaining, 57-49.

Columbia and Evangel battled back-and-forth to keep the lead, but the Valor ultimately held on to the contest.

With 45 seconds remaining in the contest, Kai Steinman hit a big three to tie the game at 91 a peice.

A Valor layup and four-consecutive free throws put Evangel up 97-91 with nine seconds left.

Evangel went on to defeat Columbia, 99-95.

Senior transfer, Kai Steinman, led the Cougars with 20 points, knocking down 6-9 from three point range.

In addition to Steinman, three other Cougars also recorded double-digit points.

In his first game in the Cougar uniform, Columbia native Seth Larson recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Isaiah Holden also produced a career night with 13 assists.

Columbia returns to action November 6 for their first home game against Central Methodist University (Mo.) at 7:30 p.m.