Koalas Defeat SMC, 73-59

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – There were familiar faces on the court in the Spartanburg Methodist College women's basketball team when they faced Columbia (SC) on Wednesday afternoon. The Pioneers, who were coming off a two-point win on Monday, dropped a 73-59 decision to Columbia.

The visiting Koalas (3-0) are led by former Pioneers assistant coach, Najarius "JJ" Green, who brought with him to Bridges Arena five former Pioneers (Layla Wall, Kindan Dawson, Jadein Haynes, Shawnia Davis and Tamyra Davis) into the contest. Columbia raced out to a 14-4 lead to start the game, forcing the Pioneers to play from behind for nearly the entire contest.

Columbia went ahead early on the sharp shooting of Anaya Muhammad, who hit a pair of 3-pointers on her way to eight first quarter points and a game-high 19 in the win. She was joined in double figures by Makayla Street, who added 13.

Spartanburg Methodist College (1-2) managed to cut the deficit to nine, 66-57, in the fourth quarter when Krystal Johnson hit a pair of free throws and Jaidah Liebert made a layup after Najah Gilliam stole a pass. Johnson, off the bench, led the Pioneers with 12 points and fellow reserve Najah Gilliam added nine in the loss.

After being down by as much as 16 in the first half, SMC in the second half outscored Columbia, 32-31 in the final 20 minutes.

Next, SMC will play its fourth game in eight days on when they host Johnson (Tenn.) on Saturday as part of a men's/women's basketball doubleheader at 2 p.m. at Bridges Arena.

Photo by Marc Mixtega