Men’s Basketball Comes Up Short Against Missouri Valley

Marshall, Mo. – The Columbia College men’s basketball was defeated by the Missouri Valley (Mo.) Vikings, 89-87. With this loss, the Cougars fall to 4-4 on the season, and the Vikings improve to 4-1. 

Both teams battled back and forth in the first half. The Vikings were able to extend their lead to a first-half high nine points (23-14). With less than ten minutes remaining, Columbia was able to tie Missouri Valley by going on a 9-0 run (23-23). The Cougars were able to pull ahead over the Vikings by six points (30-24). Back-to-back points from Missouri Valley gave them the edge heading into the locker rooms at 46-43. 

The Cougars fought to take the advantage back from the Vikings. Columbia and Missouri Valley tied seven times. Neither team was able to get a sizable lead over the other. Within the last minute of play, the Vikings were able to get up by two to take the game, 89-87. 

Key Moment:

Missouri Valley made four free throws in the final 35 seconds to seal the win.

By the Numbers:

52.4-percent/50.8-percent – The Cougar field percentage compared to the Vikings

34-20 – Columbia had 14 more points in the paint than Missouri Valley

35-29 – The Vikings bench points compared to the Cougars

43 – Both teams scored 43 points in the second half of the game 

Columbia College Leaders:

Scoring Leader – Collin Parker (19)

Rebounding Leader – Chima Oduocha (8)

Assist Leader – Tony Burks (9)

Steals Leader – Beau Washer (3)

Missouri Valley Leaders:

Scoring Leader – Tamarcus Butler (21)

Rebounding Leader – Cameron Lockett / Zachary Marrotte (6)

Assist Leader – Zachary Marrotte / Jace Lance (5)

Steals Leader – Tamarcus Butler (3)

Up Next:

The Cougars will travel to Fayette, Mo. to face Central Methodist on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 7:30 PM.