Columbia International University Athletics

The Columbia International University men's basketball team took the court today to take on the Johnson & Wales University Wildcats. Both teams were coming off a loss and were looking to get back on track. Today's game was a battle as the teams went back and forth throughout the whole game. The Rams took the lead into the half, but the Wildcats held a slight advantage in the second half that pushed them to a 91-84 victory.

The Wildcats would open the scoring with a three, but they would hold onto that lead for long. Christian Williams and Juraj Rovis were able to give the Rams the lead as Williams found Rovis for two easy baskets in the paint. The Wildcats would tie the game with a free throw on their next possession. After tying the game the Wildcats would score the next eight points and take an 12-4 lead. The Rams and Wildcats would go back and forth with the Wildcats pushing their lead to double figures at the 12:07 mark. The Rams would start to chip away at the Wildcats lead and at the 6:09 mark they trimmed it to one after a layup by Jacob Cook. The Rams would tie the game at 31 after a three from Damian Hurta, but the Wildcats would hit a three on their own to regain the lead. However, Cook decided to match that three on the Rams next possession and the game was tied once again. 

Gabe Kirk was able to force the Wildcats into a turnover and then he found a streaking Damian Hurta for a layup. The Rams would take the lead, but the teams would go back and forth over the final minutes. Two free throws from Micah Banks gave the Rams a 46-45 advantage at halftime.

The Wildcats grab an early lead on another three pointer, but just like the first half a layup by Rovis tied the game. The Wildcats would regain the lead and the Rams would cut it to one after a jumper from Jacob Cook. The teams would battle as they traded baskets, but the Wildcats maintained their lead. The Rams would cut the lead to three on multiple occasions and the Wildcats could never build a substantial lead. Teh Wildcats would go on a little run to push the lead to double figures, however, the Rams fought back but couldn't grab the lead. The Rams pulled with five with forty seconds to go and they had to start fouling. Unfortunately, the Wildcats hit all of their free throws and the Rams fell by the final score of 91-84. 

Columbia International shot 50.8% (30-of-59) from the field and were just 6-of-19 from three...Johnson & Wales shot 50% (32-of-64) and were 14-of-28 from beyond the arch...The Rams held a huge 46-24 advantage in the paint...The Wildcats had the advantage in rebounds as they pulled down 38 and the Rams pulled down 31...The Rams were passing all over the place as they had 24 assists which is a season high...Jacob Cook had a career best 23 points and also had five assists...Juraj Rovis had 18 points and seven rebounds...Damian Hurta was on tonight as he hit four threes to finish with 14 points...Micah Banks had another solid 13 points and six assists, while Damarcus Gay was the last in double figures with 10 points...Majerle Poole led the Wildcats with 27 points and eight rebounds.

Columbia International will be back in action on Thursday when they travel to take on North Greenville University at 7:30 p.m.