The Columbia International University men's basketball team was looking to get back in the win column as they faced off against North Greenville University at the Spectrum Center. It was a once in a lifetime experience for the Rams to play on an NBA Court in front of their friends and family. The Rams and Crusaders battled in the first half, but the Crusaders took over in the second half and won 91-61. The Rams fall to 9-15 on the year, while the Crusaders move to 9-17.

It took the Rams and Crusaders about a minute and a half to get their nerves in check, but the Rams were able to get on the board first after Gabe Kirk hit a jumper. The teams would go back and forth throughout the first five and a half minutes which saw Nayquan Wilson and Jordan Dillingham each hit a three. After a media timeout the Crusaders would use an 11-0 run to jump out in front of the Rams 21-10, but the Rams would slowly start to chip away at the lead. With 4:40 remaining in the half Wilson was able to hit a jumper in the paint and pull the Rams within three of the Crusaders, 28-25. The Crusaders would score the next five point before the Rams match them and cut the lead back to three. The teams would battle to the end of the half which saw the Crusaders take a 39-32 lead.

The Rams would struggle to start the second half as the Crusaders opened the half of a 13-0 run. Damian Hurta and JC Cavin each hit a three for the Rams to stop the Crusaders run and cut their lead to 14, but the Crusaders would continue to put pressure on the Rams and regain their twenty point lead with just over eleven minutes remaining. The Rams continue to battle, but the Crusaders proved to be to much as they went on to win 91-61.

Columbia International shot 43.8 percent (21-of-48) from the floor and 45 percent (9-of-20) from three...North Greenville shot 58.7 percent (37-of-63) from the field and 16.7 percent (2-of-12) from three...The Rams were able to score 14 points of the 14 Crusaders turnovers...Nayquan Wilson led the Rams with 18 points and chipped in two assists...Jordan Dillingham and Damian Hurta each had nine points for the Rams, while Ryan Gibson had eight points and four rebounds...Jai Jencks led the Crusaders with 15 points.

Columbia International will be back in action on Saturday against Morris College at 4 pm. Saturday will also be senior day as we honor JC Cavin, Ryan Gibson, Nayquan Wilson, and Blake Ellison.